THE TEAM driving Mercedes-Benz Formula One are planning the creation of a parkland campus at its Brackley site.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas, which currently employs about 1,400 people, is planning for the site to meet the needs of up to 1,900 staff in the next four to five years.
The company has submitted hybrid plans to West Northamptonshire Council to redevelop land at its site off Lauda Drive. The latest application includes in-depth information about the company’s aspirations and its commitment to remain in Brackley.
The report reads: “Mercedes aspire to be the most successful F1 team in history with the most talented, dedicated and inspired staff in motorsport.
“Mercedes is looking to deliver an exemplar parkland campus of modern, new and retrofit sustainable design responding to the location’s unique waterside setting, maximising the wellbeing of their employees and implementing best practice building design, energy production and infrastructure.”
The company recognises that significant changes will be required to deliver a world-class campus and meets its “ambitious” sustainability objectives to become net zero by 2030.
The planned investment will include a dedicated marketing building on the current car park which Mercedes says presents “an opportunity to design and build a gateway building not only at the entrance to Mercedes but also at the southern entrance to the town of Brackley”.
A health and well-being hub is proposed near the watercourse which will include a restaurant, gym, yoga space and changing facilities.
Since Mercedes returned to F1 in 2010, it has been one of the most successful teams, winning seven consecutive driver titles and eight consecutive constructor’s titles. The application highlights that F1 is key to the ongoing growth of the business but expansion into other areas is another key to the company moving forward. This includes the construction of the boat for the UK challenge for the 37th Americas Cup which is being undertaken at the Brackley site.
The application includes an insight from team principal and chief executive Toto Wolff pictured right about the company’s plans to “be more than leaders – we want to be pioneers”.
He adds: “Whether in deploying our resources to drive technological advances that will help society address the environmental challenges that we face or through committing to increase the diversity of our workforce, and supporting those in need in our local communities, our passion is not just in the cares you see on track; it is across everything we do.”.