New visitor centre will be bigger at iconic factory
MOTORCYCLE giant Triumph has been given the green light to enlarge its planned visitor centre.
Initial permission for the attraction was granted back in 2015.
However, since then bosses at the iconic motor brand have decided to expand its floor space and allow for additional bike parking.
A submission from the firm, owned by housing developer John Bloor, stated: “The proposed additional visitor centre floor space is required to enhance the visitor experience and make the visitor centre more viable/attractive in terms of what it can exhibit/provide.
“The subsequent loss of office/ training floor space would not have any significant impact on the employment space provision within the site as a whole given its scale.
“The additional motorcycle parking provision is practicable when considering the nature of the site and the visitors likely to be attracted to it and the amended layout would continue to provide adequate off-street parking to serve the existing and proposed development.
“The amended visitor centre scheme would continue to enhance the economic wellbeing of the business through the promotion of the Triumph brand and also provide an additional tourist attraction within the borough bringing more visitors and revenue to the area and contribute to the local economy.”
No amendments are proposed for the external character or size of the new building, estimated at 1,300 sq ft on the north east section of the existing site at Normandy Way.
The centre will comprise a permanent collection area, temporary display space, shop and cafe.
It’s construction means the reconfiguration of the existing visitors’ car park and construction additional parking.
Triumph received permission from a borough council planning officer through delegated powers for the changes, regarded as nonmaterial changes to the already obtained planning permission.
The formation of the visitor centre and office/training space is already at an advanced stage.
As part of the scheme the factory access road which forms one arm of the A47/Roston Drive roundabout is also being realigned.