Councils welcome Silverstone deal
Archived press release
Date Published: 08/12/09
Silverstone will host the British Grand Prix from 2010
Aylesbury Vale District Council and Buckinghamshire County Council have welcomed the news that Silverstone has agreed a 17-year deal to host the British Grand Prix from 2010.
The circuit stepped in to stage the race, which next year takes place on 11 July, after Donington Park was stripped of the rights.
Under the deal announced on 7 December, Silverstone will redevelop the pit lane and paddock. Work is due to start as soon as possible after Christmas but is not expected to be completed until 2011.
Councillor Michael Edmonds, AVDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “This news is a real boost to residents and businesses in the district and particularly welcome in this difficult economic climate. We are very proud to have Silverstone in our district and want to do all we can to promote both the circuit and the wider attractions of Aylesbury Vale as a great place to visit and do business in.”
Silverstone circuit is within both Aylesbury Vale District Council and South Northamptonshire Council areas and the local authorities are working with the British Racing Drivers’ Club on the long-term development and improvement of the site.
A range of facilities are proposed including a new manufacturer test centre, business park, extreme sport and leisure complex, two hotels, a university campus and a welcome centre with a museum.
The new pit and paddock complex, and the wider development proposals, will help attract more business to Aylesbury Vale and South Northamptonshire and create more jobs for local communities. The British Grand Prix alone contributes more than £30 million a year to the local area.
The pit complex is the first part of the long-term development programme for Silverstone. The plans involve moving the complex from its current site between Woodcote and Copse corners, to a new location between Club and Abbey corners. Included in the complex are new garages, a race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones and a paddock for race team vehicles.
Councillor Martin Tett, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: “It's fantastic news that Silverstone and therefore Buckinghamshire will host the British Grand Prix from 2010. The track is a hub for world class motor sport and its many supporting businesses. This generates significant local employment and has the potential for many more high value jobs. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the redevelopment plans for the track and facilities so Silverstone can continue to be a centre for motor sport excellence for many years to come.”