February 2013
Circuit of Wales application submitted
The Circuit of Wales Planning Application
We are pleased to announce that Powell Dobson Urbanists has now formally submitted the outline planning application for the prestigious £400 million Circuit of Wales development to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. The application, which was co-ordinated and led by The Urbanists, proposes to deliver a low carbon automotive centre of excellence, which has the potential to transform the economy of Blaenau Gwent and the wider south-east Wales region.
You can view a short programme about this project here on the BBC Sport webpage. This was aired on Sport Wales on February 15th.
What is the Circuit of Wales?
In addition to the main racing circuit, the Circuit of Wales will also provide a karting circuit, motocross circuit, dirt oval, 4x4 and urban 4x4 circuit, rider academy and driver training centre. These facilities will be world class in their own right and will ensure that Blaenau Gwent and the wider south-east wales region becomes an international centre for motorsport all year round.
The high performance circuit will establish the Circuit of Wales as a prestigious business centre and create commercial demand amongst companies who want to test and showcase their products in a world class setting. To ensure that the Circuit of Wales is equipped to respond to private sector demand, the development will include a large technology park; research and development facilities; offices; industrial; storage and distribution and leisure related space. The development will also include two hotels, camping facilities, and a range of restaurants and cafes.
What Benefits will the Circuit of Wales Deliver?
While much emphasis has understandably been placed on the 3.5 mile world- class racing circuit, it is the socio-economic benefits associated with the development that make it a truly transformative proposal. It is anticipated that the Circuit of Wales will contribute in the order of £50m annually to the Welsh economy; deliver approximately 4,000 - 6,000 person years of FTE construction based employment, which will be contracted out to local businesses, and sustain in the order of 4,000 - 6,000 FTE operational jobs. Moreover the development will act as an economic catalyst for the local economy; facilitating direct spin-offs in terms of tourism and visitor spending in the broader area.
The operational jobs, in particular, will provide lasting benefit to the local economy, as the jobs will be provided in high end sectors like engineering, technology and research and development. The Heads of the Valleys Development Company is currently formulating training programmes that will equip all individuals interested in the operational jobs at the development with the skills necessary to take advantage of the employment opportunities.
Click here to see the Circuit of Wales in the news.
The Role of The Urbanists
We now look forward to further working alongside the Local Authority and statutory consultees in establishing a successful outcome for the application so that Blaenau Gwent and the wider south east Wales region is able to benefit from this transformational development. It is anticipated that a decision will be made by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s planning committee during the spring of 2013.
Please click here to view a copy of an article on the Planning Resource website.
Please click here to view The Urbanists on the Property Magazine website.
(All images: Populous)
