Mercedes have reportedly received approval from West Northamptonshire Council to upgrade their Brackley base, something which has infuriated local businesses.
According to local newspaper the Northampton Chronicle and Echo, Mercedes are set to build a new three-story building for marketing, a building for health and well-being whilst they’re also going to extend their current base.
Mercedes’ plans also include using a nearby road as a new access point for their staff, with this being what has annoyed the locals.
Counter-measures to reduce the impact on local business have been put in place, with Mercedes pushing on with their plans.
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The entire project is part of a wider plan to increase their team from 1400 to 1900 people over the next five years and turn some of their car parking into a landscaped parkland area.
The local council have listened to those not in favour of the Silver Arrows’ plans and have informed them of work which will be carried out on other nearby roads to reduce an expected increase in traffic.
As well as this, a street which currently has double-yellow lines will have the lines extended, with those who choose to park illegally set to have their vehicles clamped.
Mercedes have been accused of “gross disrespect” by one local business, who insist that the successful F1 team failed to properly communicate their plans.
Despite the backlash from local businesses, the Silver Arrows will be hopeful that the upgrades to their facilities will result in better performances in Brackley.
If the side can improve how they work when away from the racetrack, then their performance on it will likely improve.
Mercedes’ plans come at a time when their rivals are doing work to their bases, with Aston Martin having an entirely new headquarters, whilst McLaren now have a brand-new wind tunnel.
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Red Bull, too, only finished their powertrain facility a couple of years ago.
It’s important for Mercedes to improve their HQ to remain competitive, even if it does annoy the locals.
How long the building work will take is yet to be confirmed, although the hope will be that it doesn’t cause too much disruption ahead of the new season.