For Immediate Release
4th February 2008
Council gives Silverstone redevelopment major boost
Plans to secure the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone have taken a significant step forward with the adoption of the Joint Silverstone Circuit Development Brief by South Northamptonshire Council's Cabinet Committee on Monday 4th February. This follows Aylesbury Vale District Council's earlier endorsement of the Development Brief.
Prepared by independent consultants on behalf of South Northamptonshire Council and Aylesbury Vale, the Development Brief sets out the “Vision for the Circuit” and the principles of sustainable development which will maximise the social and economic benefits for the local and regional area. It also sets out the land use and infrastructure requirements against which any future planning application has to be assessed.
A range of facilities are proposed, including a new pit and paddock complex for the circuit along with a manufacturer test centre, business park, extreme sport and leisure complex, two hotels, a university campus, a `Welcome Centre' and some new homes near the circuit. This will enable new development around the circuit over the next 10 years and ensure Silverstone retains its position at the forefront of the motorsport industry.
Spencer Canning, Development Director at Silverstone, said: “The adoption of the Development Brief means that for the first time in its long and illustrious history, Silverstone is now being considered as a whole, with an eye towards what it can deliver to the UK as well as meeting the needs of the Grand Prix.
“This is an important step in towards creating a framework for the delivery of a world-class venue for motorsport, education and high technology development.
“The decision is also testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of all the agencies and organisations who have worked on this important step, including the local authorities, the South East of England Development Agency, the East Midlands Development Agency, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire County Councils and the government.”
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited said: “With the Development Brief in place we can now complete the preparation of a planning application to bring the circuit facilities into the 21st Century and transform Silverstone into a world leading centre for business, leisure and technology. This will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the motorsport industry and maintain its position as a major regional and national employer.”
Robert Brooks, Chairman of the BRDC said: “Our members are excited about the future of Silverstone and welcome this essential step towards delivering the much needed improvement of facilities on the site. The joint decision of the local authorities means we can move forward quickly to protect Silverstone's status as a global leader and the home of motor racing.”
A planning application for the new Pit and Paddock facility is now being finalised with a submission expected to be made in spring 2008.
For further information please contact:
BRDC
Spencer Canning: 01635 552 210
Silverstone Circuits Limited
Dan Leach, Jardine International: 020 8607 3900
FD Tamesis
George Farquhar: 020 7269 7213
Sebastian Hanley: 020 7269 7357
Note to Editors
The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) is a membership body founded in 1928 which maintains high qualification standards achieved through personal International motor racing success and which represents the interests of such racing drivers from the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth.
Having organised International motor races for many years, and having taken over the lease of Silverstone from the Royal Automobile Club in 1952 the Club purchased the site's freehold from the Ministry of Defence in 1971.
The Club through its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Silverstone Circuits Limited (formed in 1966 to develop the commercial aspects of the property), has set in motion a major development of the site with the aim of producing one of the foremost motor racing facilities in the world.
Silverstone Circuits Limited is the operator and promoter of Silverstone circuit and a member of the BRDC Group of Companies. Silverstone is the host of the 2008 Formula 1™ Santander British Grand Prix and stages some of the largest international and domestic motorsport series in the world including the Silverstone Classic and World Superbikes. Silverstone offers a variety of event and corporate facilities, including driving experiences, track days, hospitality opportunities and the Silverstone Motorsport Academy - the UK's leading tuition and driver coaching centre. Silverstone was the venue for the first ever Formula One World Championship Grand Prix in 1950, has been the only circuit to stage the British Grand Prix since 1986 and remains one of the world's most recognisable racing venues.
