Bournemouth: Planning consultancy celebrates go-ahead for MEPC Silverstone Park

Award-winning planning and design consultancy Terence O'Rourke is celebrating after planners gave the go-ahead for a high-profile commercial development at Silverstone Park – providing a massive boost to the economy.

The move means thousands of jobs could be created while bringing in millions of pounds to the area following plans for the new business park submitted by MEPC.

The wide range of premises at the sought-after site - adjacent to the iconic Grand Prix circuit - will include offices, industrial and distribution facilities, education, student accommodation and up to two hotels.

Planners agreed to proposals for a broad mix of commercial uses in the high-performance technology to reflect Silverstone Park’s location at the heart of the Silverstone Technology Cluster. 

There are currently more than 70 businesses employing more than 750 people in over 400,000 sq ft of accommodation – with many others vying for a place on the outskirts of the prestigious venue.

Working closely with South Northamptonshire Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council, consent was achieved by Terence O’Rourke.

The planning and design consultancy also liaised with transport consultant Vectos and the highway authorities at Buckinghamshire County Council and Northamptonshire County Council to get the green light.

Roz Bird, commercial director of Silverstone Park, said: “We are delighted to have agreed a new outline consent for over 2m sq ft of commercial development at Silverstone Park, and would welcome the opportunity to talk with companies interested in joining our business community.

 “Like the achievement of 21 MVA of power just before Christmas and the development of new speculative workshop units, achieving a new, up-to-date planning consent is another key piece of the jigsaw in managing and developing a successful technology park - delivering on our promise to create a global business destination.”

Tim Hancock, managing director of London-based Terence O’Rourke, said: “It has been incredibly exciting to be part of this project, working with MEPC to achieve planning consent on a high profile site of national significance. 

"The land around the circuit will be transformed for the better with much needed commercial developments that will create thousands of high-quality jobs and bring in millions of pounds to the economy.

"The decision of the planners to grant permission supports our belief in the massive economic benefits the area stands to gain from the proposal.”

Terence O’Rourke, which has offices in London and Bournemouth, has been established for more than 30 years and is an acknowledged industry leader.