MARCH 4, 2008

Silverstone reveals its hopes for the future

The British Racing Drivers‘‚   Club (BRDC) has released the first pictures of what it hopes the new pit and paddock complex at Silvestone will look like if the club gets planning permission to push ahead with itys redevelopment of the facility. This is necessary in order to retain the British Grand Prix in 2010 and beyond. The new facilities will be located between Club and Abbey Corners and will be on the inside of the circuit. The complex will be opposite substantial new grandstands, which will also house a variety of other facilities.

The new pits will also house race control, a media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator areas. Designed by award winning sport architects HOK, the new complex will ensure that teams and sponsors are provided with world-class facilities.

The project will be the first step in making Silverstone more sustainable. This 10-year programme will see a new manufacturer test centre, business park, extreme sport and leisure complex, two hotels, a new university campus, a Welcome Centre and housing being built on land owned by the club in Silverstone village.

"The Pit and Paddock is the first stage in delivering a new mix of facilities at the track that will bring it into the 21st Century," said Silverstone managing-director Richard Phillips. "This will ensure Silverstone becomes a showcase for British motorsport, rivalling other great sporting venues like Wembley, Wimbledon and Twickenham."

The release of the images follows a decision by the Economic and Environmental Review and Development Committee of the South Northamptonshire Council to refer the project to a full meeting of the council in March. A planning submission for the new facility is expected shortly. Once the project gets the go-ahead land sales will begin in order to raise money needed to do the work.