State-of-the-art aerodynamic testing site in disused Northamptonshire railway tunnel set for summer opening

A multi-million pound, state-of-the-art aerodynamic testing facility in a disused railway tunnel in Northamptonshire is set to open this summer.

The 2.7km Catesby Tunnel near Charwelton, Daventry, has been transformed into a purpose-built straight road test track to develop vehicles.

Brackley-based Aero Research Partners has been building the £12 million facility since December 2017 and director Rob Lewis cannot wait for it to open.

“We are all very excited to be opening the doors to Catesby Tunnel later this year,” he said.

“The tunnel’s infrastructure lends itself perfectly to providing an unrivalled vehicle testing facility where real cars can be tested on a real road in consistent conditions.

"It has been a huge collaborative effort and we hope to welcome customers from the UK, Europe and worldwide to take advantage of our unique facility.”

One of the longest disused tunnels of the Victorian Era, Catesby Tunnel’s long, straight and constant gradient provides ideal vehicle testing conditions.

The sealed, underground working section ensures there is no wind and minimal temperature changes and the ultra-smooth tarmac ensures a controlled environment for assured repeatable testing.

All facilities are entirely enclosed to ensure that vehicle development programmes remain completely confidential.

Enclosed working spaces have a shutter opening to the tunnel to ensure privacy while the main building adjoining the tunnel will house two full size articulated lorries to unload vehicles directly into the preparation area.

The tunnel is also supported by the Catesby Innovation Centre, designed to bring together high-tech companies from the heart of the UK's automotive and motorsport industry.

Bookings will be accepted from the spring, ahead of the opening in the summer. For more information, visit catesbytunnel.com.