Work is progressing at speed on M-Sport’s multi-million- pound cutting-edge test centre at Dovenby Hall.

With the bulk of the earthworks and foundations now in place, and steelworks being erected, the Evaluation Centre is starting to take shape at the rally and motorsport company’s headquarters, near Cockermouth.

And the impressive structure demonstrates the scale of the new 10,723 m2 workshop – a one-of-a-kind facility in the UK.

M-Sport managing director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “Driving into Dovenby Hall every morning, I can’t help but stop and take scope of the impressive facility we are developing here.

“We are creating a unique facility where industry leaders from the motorsport and automotive sectors will have everything they need to follow a concept from design to production.

“I truly believe that we have something special at Dovenby Hall, and this new development is going to significantly build on that – offering Cumbria as a centre of engineering excellence.”

M-Sport’s plans for the aspiring centre of excellence include expanding its motor-sport design, as well as development in areas such as electric and battery car technologies and composite parts production – providing the company with the ability to test and build cars of the future.

The project, set to create 100 jobs, was made possible with investment from the UK Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF), as well as Growth Fund investment provided by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP)

Sitting alongside a 2.5 kilometre test track, the self-contained workshop will complete the development– offering a unique centre of engineering excellence and ensuring Cumbria plays its part to boost local economy, skills and innovation within the Northern Powerhouse.

“They have battled on moving over 15,000m3 of earth, installing the main drainage and the concrete foundations, and over the coming weeks we will see over 600 Tonnes of steel erected forming the structure of this magnificent development.

“We are proud to have worked in partnership with M-Sport at Dovenby Hall Estate since 1999 and we will ensure that this state-of-the-art facility meets their future needs and facilitates their ongoing growth – supporting the local economy both in construction and in operation.

“Once again this investment pays great tribute to the vision of Malcolm Wilson for the Company and his total commitment to Cumbria.”

Chief Executive of Cumbria LEP, Jo Lappin, added: “Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership was delighted to support the development of this wonderful facility through a £1.3 million Growth Fund allocation.

“We’re very pleased that our contribution will help one of our iconic Cumbrian companies to lead the way on the future of mobility, take advantage of emerging opportunities and create over 100 new jobs.”