Donington gets boost ahead of hearing

[TheStig]

Donington Park’s plans to host the British Grand Prix from 2010 have received a boost ahead of its planning application hearing next Thursday.

The venue, which straddles the counties of Derbyshire and Leicestershire, has won the support of South Derbyshire District Council for the proposed redevelopment project required to bring it up to F1 standards.

Mark Alflat, the authority’s director of community services, argues in a report submitted to the neighbouring North West Leicestershire District Council – which will take the final decision on whether to give the revamp the go-ahead – that the potential economic benefits to the region of the GP outweigh the “minor” environmental drawbacks.

“The development offers substantial economic opportunities,” Alflat is quoted as saying by the Derby Evening Telegraph.

“The grand prix has the potential to attract both visitor spend and inward investment.

“New facilities, along with associated developments, will create substantial construction employment opportunities.

“This would bring new investment and highly-skilled employment opportunities to the area.”

Alflat said only “a small number of areas” would experience a significant increase in noise levels as a result of the circuit revamp.

“Track revisions will generally be positive, or give rise to only very minor changes,” he said.

“However, there are a small number of areas which could experience notable changes in noise levels.”

Race organisers have trumpeted environmentally friendly plans to ban access to the circuit by private cars over the GP weekend and institute ‘park and ride’ schemes instead – a measure designed to prevent the narrow approach roads from being overwhelmed.

Donington’s 10-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone to take over the British GP from Silverstone is thought to be contingent on the promised £100m upgrade of the circuit and facilities.

Chief executive Simon Gillett intends to lengthen the track with an infield loop and build a new pit and paddock complex, media centre, clubhouse and hospitality suites.

He has revealed few details of how the revamp will be funded, but has talked of setting up a debenture scheme for companies and wealthy fans and using the new buildings to generate additional rental income throughout the year.


http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=44861&PO=44861

TheStig

[John S]

Doesn't Toyota have their main car Factory in Northern Europe in Derbyshire, I just wonder how close it is to Donnington?

[Alianora La Canta]

Very. It's at Burnaston near Derby - I remember doing a unit on how it came to be there for History in Year 9.