Silverstone revamp plans revealed

The owner of the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire have revealed plans for a major overhaul of facilities.

Silverstone’s owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), gave the go-ahead for redevelopment plans to be drawn up in the summer in a bid to secure the long-term future of the British Grand Prix at the circuit.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is a harsh critic of the circuit and has for many years been calling for the BRDC to finance a substantial revamp of facilities.

Initial planning documents have now been displayed on the South Northamptonshire Council website to allow local residents to have their say on the proposed redevelopment.

The track layout will remain unchanged according to the plans, but there will be wholesale revisions elsewhere.

Two new hotels, an exhibition centre, a technology park, residential housing and educational facilities are all proposed to be built in Silverstone’s grounds.

Speaking earlier this year, BRDC president Damon Hill said: “The BRDC’s ’master plan’ is not only important to Silverstone and its continued hosting of the British Grand Prix, but also the development of the sport in this country.

“We can only continue to develop exciting young stars like Lewis Hamilton if we have the best facilities at which to nurture such talent.”