The investment, from a partnership between the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), Hinkley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) and site owner MIRA Technology Park looks to transform an existing building to house the research centre.

£2.5m ($2.9m) of the funding will see the existing technology building at the MIRA Technology Park refurbished by HORIBA MIRA, with the following £2.5m ($2.9m) from LLEP and HBBC set to install hydrogen infrastructure to aid safe testing, as well as electric vehicle charging.

It is hoped the infrastructure will help engineers and scientists on the site to further research and development of hydrogen fuel cells, battery systems and other low carbon and alternative fuel technologies.

H2 View understands the LLEP investment intends to attract a growing number of players in the transport sector which are developing low-carbon technologies, with a planning application having now been approved by HBBC.

Tim Nathan, Managing Director of MIRA Technology Park, said, “We’re continually investing in maintaining our position as a leading hub for the development of low carbon technologies and R&D.

“With the industry undergoing a revolution in mobility technologies, these investments futureproof our capability ensuring we can best support businesses across the technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing sectors.”

Andy Reed OBE, Interim Chair of the LLEP, said, “The Low Carbon Innovation Hub supports the LLEP’s goal for coming years of supporting economic growth through sustainability and innovation.

“The site offers world-class facilities to the mobility sector. Projects such as this will help it continue bringing in employers and creating quality jobs while also supporting wider low carbon testing and development.”