JCB plans to transform the "Mince Pie Hall" into upmarket accommodation.

JCB will invest GBP2 million (USD3.1 million) to transform a historic building near its Rocester world headquarters into upmarket accommodation designed to help drive future export growth.

The company has applied for planning permission to transform the "Mince Pie Hall" and associated outbuildings in Hollington Road, Rocester into 25 bedrooms/studies complete with communal kitchen and recreation area.

They will be used to host overseas delegates attending courses at the adjacent JCB International Training Centre.

JCB Group property director Alan Thomson says the plan is crucial to support the company's ambitious export growth program and provide accommodation for JCB employees, dealer personnel and service engineers from overseas. "Training these groups of people on the increasing range of JCB products sold overseas is critical in growing our exports in the future and ensures they have the product knowledge to support our customers."

Thomson explains that there is a lack of accommodation near to the training centre for delegates. The planned accommodation will enable delegates to walk to the training centre, which would significantly reduce the need for multiple car journeys.

"In addition, this plan would breathe new life into an important local building, which was already in a semi-derelict condition when it was bought by JCB in 2004," Thomson adds.

Mince Pie Hall got its name from its turret which resembles the shape of a mince pie. It was built in the late 17th century and is also known as Banks Farm. It was once part of the Woodseat Estate. The planning application will be considered by East Staffordshire Borough Council.