The original Royal Enfield motorcycle factory site, in Redditch’s Hewell Road, is being redeveloped into a “Royal Enfield Business Park” by Worcestershire-based speculator EDR Developments.
Bike production ceased on the site in 1970 and it was most recently occupied by an electro-plating company. Since February, EDR has demolished derelict buildings, some dating from the historic Royal Enfield era, and begun construction of 11 industrial units totalling 24,210 sq.ft. These are set for completion and letting later this year.
Commenting on the development, EDR director Darren Ellis said: “We are making a very significant investment which will bring employment to this area of the town. Aesthetically, it will also make things a lot better than what has gone before.”
Quite what Royal Enfield, now owned by Indian automotive giant Eicher, will make of EDR playing fast and loose with its intellectual property — in this case, exclusive brand rights — is an unresolved matter. An officially-monikered Royal Enfield UK Tech Centre is based in nearby Leicestershire.