Building jobs as work starts on rally firm M-Sport's design centre

The £19m facility was given the all clear last year when a High Court judge threw out a legal challenge to Allerdale Council’s decision to grant planning consent.

It will help M-Sport move into the general automotive sector and attract mainstream motor manufacturers seeking to design and test new technology. The development will be the only one of its kind in the UK and should see M-Sport create 100 high-value jobs once operational.

The scheme has the backing of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and local business leaders.

Contractor Northern Developments has just started on phase one, a 12-month project to develop a 2.5km test track facility.

The initial phase involves major earth works, drainage, ground stabilisation as well as the creation of sound attenuation bunds at the site.

In addition to the 50 construction jobs created directly, local contractors should benefit as orders filter down the supply chain.

Eddie Ward Eddie Ward, Northern Developments’ commercial manager, said: “After working on this project for nearly six years, it’s extremely exciting to finally move into the construction phase.

“M-Sport is passionate about its Cumbrian heritage and we will ensure maximum economic benefit to the county by using local companies where we can.”

He added: “This is one of the most stimulating projects we’ve been involved with, from a design-and-build aspect but also concerning the positive impact it will have on the local economy and the new jobs it will create.”

One of the first suppliers to benefit is Ashcroft, a ground works contractor at Dearham, which has plant and staff on the M-Sport site.

Managing director Chris Ashcroft said: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected to work for Northern Developments on this project proving that Cumbrian firms have the ability to deliver on high-profile schemes.

“We are thrilled to be able to play our part in the successful delivery of this project.”