Planning Approved for £280m Circuit of Wales

The Circuit of Wales, symptoms a new £280m ($418.3m) multipurpose development in Ebb Vale, physician Wales, arthritis has been handed outline planning approval by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, despite opposition to the track.

Some protestors claimed the motor sport centre would be a ‘white elephant’ in the area, but other estimations claim 750,000 people will visit the facility each year, generating £50m ($75m) a year for the uK economy.

The facility is due to be completed in 2015-16 and is designed to host international motor sport events and will include a 3.5 mile track, a motocross tracj, a karting track and off-road driving facilities.

It is anticipated that 3,000 jobs will be created through the construction phase and between 4,000-6,000 once it is complete.

Jonathan Jones, Head of Training and Recruitment of the Heads of the Valleys Development Company Ltd said: “The project will change the outlook and aspirations of thousands of young people across the Blaenau Gwent community and give them opportunities for training and careers in retail, services, technology and the automotive industry.

“Through the creation and support of apprenticeships and local education initiatives, the Heads of the Valleys Development Company is committed to ensuring that a high percentage of these jobs will be sourced from the local Blaenau Gwent area.”

Largest of its kind

At 830-acres, the development will be the UK’s largest every privately led capital investment programme in a motor sport-related infrastructure.

Michael Carrick, Chief Executive of the Heads of the Valleys Development Company Ltd added: “It is a hugely important development, not just for the regeneration of Blaenau Gwent but also for the UK economy, and will enable significant private capital to be mobilised.

“This is a showcase for a new type of investment model, a partnership between private investment and government to deliver a transformational business to the region.”