The infrastructure, which includes pedestrian and cyclist routes, improves access to leading Norfolk businesses Lotus Cars and Hethel Engineering Centre. It will also open up 20 hectares of land to enable more high-tech businesses to move to the area.

Funding has been provided by the Greater Norwich Growth Board, Norfolk County Council, and South Norfolk Council, with project oversight provided by Hainstone.

Dignitaries watched on as a convoy of Lotus sports cars from down the ages drove around the roundabout and along the road. They included the Lotus Evija, Lotus Emeya and the heritage Lotus Esprit. They were joined by electric bikes, and an electric motorbike and lawnmower – all developed by businesses based at Hethel Engineering Centre.

The road and roundabout are now open to the public with some remaining landscaping work left to finish.

Jackson’s Regional Director, Nigel Aves, said: “We are proud to have successfully delivered Phase 2 of this vital new spine road and roundabout, which unlocks crucial access and will promote further business and employment opportunities in Hethel. We are now focussed on the remaining work required to complete the project.”