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Plans unveiled today for new motor racing circuit in Wales
publication date: Nov 21, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Wales will get a new third motor racing track under discussions being held today over a site at Ebbw Vale.
The area was selected earlier this year by the Welsh Government for automotive industry investment after it reviewed economic strategy for Wales but at the time there was no mention of the circuit unveiled today by a private consortium called the Heads of the Valley Development Company, which is said to be backed by London-based financiers. Media reports say discussions about the circuit have been going on for some time and it has been estimated to cost £200M with most of this coming from private backers but with an expected contribution from Government. If the project received the go ahead it would create hundreds of jobs in the construction sector and provide scores on a regular basis with hundreds of additional jobs during meetings but many of these would also be unpaid voluntary jobs by clubs. It is hoped that still more jobs would be created if other companies were encouraged to locate to the area with automotive businesses, possibly using the circuit for testing motor sport related products. Corporate hospitality could also bring in more circuit business. Developers have said they are also looking at other areas. Local councillors and Welsh Government are meeting today to further discuss the project but the talks are confidential. Wales already has two circuits regularly used for car, bike and truck racing at Pembrey and on Anglesey and there is a popular kart racing venue at Llandow, near Bridgend. Pembrey and Ynys Mon circuits have struggled to get national meetings and bring in crowds and now mostly rely on club meetings which attract a few hundred spectators in addition to the participants. There was a sprint course at Ebbw Vale used in the 1970s adjacent to the A465 trunk road. The motor sport industry has developed to the point where circuits have to pay major championships and agree to major investments to host rounds of a particular series and it is unclear if the proposal for Ebbw Vale would have sufficient funding to buy into these major UK or international events. Donington Circuit, Leicester, one time home to the British Grand Prix between the world wars and rejuvenated in the 70s, is only getting over a recent failed redevelopment which threatened to close it down. It is now hoping to rebuild its reputation for hosting major British championships and with other circuits around the UK fighting for survival and investment, the Ebbw Vale plan could stall before a wheel is turned on a new track. |
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