A new £280 million racing circuit has been granted outline planning permission in Ebbw Vale, Wales. Bosses say the Circuit of Wales will host international motorsport events and will become a centre for motorsport industries.
The Heads of the Valleys Development company estimates 750,000 people will visit the circuit each year, generating £50 million per year for the economy. Up to 3000 jobs will be created in the development of the circuit, and another 4000-6000 when the site is completed. Ebbw Vale has one of the largest unemployment rates in the country.
Bosses say the 830-acre development will represent the UK’s largest-ever privately led capital investment programme in motorsport-related infrastructure. Construction is due to start later this year.
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is satisfied the scale of the 3.5-mile circuit is acceptable, but a further more detailed proposal must now be submitted.
The first stage of construction will include a hotel and retail outlets, to comply with the circuit's multifunction brief, while the second stage will add the circuit itself alongside Motorcross, karting and off-road driving areas.
