A business park developer has revealed that it wants to build on a 140 acre greenfield site in the west Leicestershire countryside.
IM Properties wants to build on land north of the village of Groby, next to the junction of the A50 and A46.
The same developer is currently building a 3 million sq ft global parts distribution centre for Jaguar Land Rover about 15 miles away, between the towns of Ashby and Tamworth.
It said the Groby site could provide work for more than 2,000 jobs in areas such as logistics, manufacturing and light industry.
It also said the site would have net zero carbon contribution and generate around £182 million a year for the local economy.
The developer is inviting people who would be affected by the scheme and residents of nearby villages such as Groby, Anstey, Ratby, Glenfield, Newtown Linford and Kirby Muxloe, to find out more and comment at a website it has created at impgroby.co.uk.
The site is close to the Groby Pool beauty spot and a couple of miles from historic Bradgate Park.
IM Properties said it had already received significant occupier interest including from “a number of businesses already established in and around Groby”.
David Smith, planning director at IM Properties said: “In line with company objectives, the site has the potential to provide a new, net zero ready space for homegrown and global companies where carbon emissions are balanced to be zero or negative during the construction phase, and carbon performance is optimised ready for operation.
“The development has the potential to create significant new jobs, support resilience in the local economy, and help drive sustainable growth in Leicestershire.
“We’re speaking to local businesses that need new space but want to stay in the area and we can help them do that.
“As part of our plans, we also want to create a community woodland on nearby land at the Klondyke, which can become a real community asset for local people while enhancing biodiversity and climate mitigation.
“We want to work with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and local stakeholders to develop high-quality and considered proposals for the site. In doing so, we can shape the best possible scheme for the area, and look to maximise positive outcomes for the environment, community and local economy.
“The council is currently consulting on its draft local plan, and we will be submitting representations that explain the benefits of including this development as part of its strategy for sustainable growth.”
The developer is holding a webinar on Tuesday, February 22, to introduce the development team to residents and businesses and answer questions from the community. Anyone can register for the webinar via the project website.
There will also be two in-person consultation events:
Thursday, March 10 (5.00pm to 8.00pm) at Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, 16-18 Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DJ
Saturday, March 12 (10.00am to 4.00pm) at Dining Hall, Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Ratby Road, Groby LE6 0FP
