THE site where the iconic Royal Enfield motorcycles were made for decades is thriving after being reborn as a business park.

The former Redditch manufacturing site of the classic and much loved motorcycles was bought by local firm EDR Developments around a year ago.

Production of motorcycles ceased in 1970 and Royal Enfield was dissolved in 1971, leaving the site to deteriorate.

However EDR has given the site a new lease of life which, as the Royal Enfield Business Park, is now home to a range of businesses including trade retailer Screwfix.

Darren Ellis, EDR developments director, said: “The history of the site was a huge reason behind our investment.

“The directors are all local and motorcycle enthusiasts so it didn’t feel right to us that this site was becoming an eyesore, when it was once a real source of pride for the area.

“We decided to invest in our community and the result has been incredible.

He added: "What has been particularly special for us is the response from the public and the business community; we have had such a positive reaction and people are genuinely happy that such a historic site is back in use.”

Royal Enfield was founded in 1909 by the Enfield Motor Cycle Company which manufactured motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines.

During the First World War, the business supplied the War Department with motorbikes fitted with sidecars capable of carrying stretchers.

Royal Enfield is still much loved by enthusiasts and is famed for the Royal Enfield Bullet, the longest-lived motorcycle design in history.