AMBITIOUS plans to transform a disused Victorian railway tunnel in Northamptonshire into a global aerodynamic testing facility have started to gather pace.
Daventry-based architects, the Roger Coy Partnership, has been working on the exciting plans for the last three years to remodel a perfectly straight, 2.7km-long tunnel into a smooth asphalt roadway, with lighting and end closures among other substantial upgrades.
The innovative Catesby Aero Research Facility by Aero Research Partners (ARP) will also create a four and a half acre science park with offices, workshops and a research facility as well as new jobs.
Once completed, it will be the only aerodynamic testing facility of its kind in the world available for hire and is expected to attract interest from across the globe, ranging from cycling and motorsport teams to major vehicle manufacturers.
The project has been given the go ahead after receiving £4.2 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership.
Planning permission for the Catesby Aero Research Facility has been secured and Stepnell has been appointed as the contractor.
Work is progressing well to create a new access off the A361 which includes widening the road to allow a dedicated right turn lane into the site.
Ian Bramble, principal architect at the Roger Coy Partnership in Eydon, said the majority of the work currently being carried out relates to new access to the site.
He said: “There may be some inconvenience to road users during this phase but we ask for their patience because once it is completed, traffic should flow easily.
“The main access drive up to the south tunnel entrance has been set out, and the surface water drainage is being laid.
“We are preserving as much of the Victorian heritage as possible because contractors are pressure-cleaning the existing Victorian drainage culverts so that they can be re-used, because they have been flowing for over 100 years.
“At the Roger Coy Partnership, our team of architects are busy finalising the detailed design works on the main building and the design elements within the tunnel taking into account bat mitigation measures.
“The foundation pits have been excavated and there was an exciting moment during this work when the outline of the old signal box to the north of the station site was discovered.
“The formation of surface water attenuation ponds is under way and blue brick construction is being used in the formation of the culvert walls in keeping with original Great Central Railway structures.
“It is really interesting working on a project such as this because we are giving a new lease of life to a Victorian railway tunnel which has laid dormant for years, while also creating a facility which will attract worldwide interest from the high-tech industry, particularly motor sports.
“The work is progressing well and we are on track to open late next year.”
Daventry District Council is supporting the delivery of the project and plans to acquire the tunnel from Highways England, so it can lease it to ARP.
Find out more about the Roger Coy Partnership at www.rogercoy.co.uk