Green light for Donington development
Added on Friday, January 9th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Green light for Donington development
Donington Park has gained planning approval for a £100m redevelopment which will transform the East Midland’s circuit.
The development will see a host of track alterations, predominantly focused on the circuit’s southern section a brand new pit area, club house, media centre and temporary grandstands ahead of the circuit’s first Formula One Grand Prix in 2010.
Donington, which has secured the rights to the British Grand Prix from Silverstone, is also the home of the British round of the MotoGP championship although the current contract with the circuit ends in 2009. World Superbikes and British Superbikes are also held at the popular circuit.
The revamped circuit will see the construction of a new pit area on the Starkey’s Straight section of the circuit between Coppice corner and The Esses. The Esses itself will be removed, extending the straight to the Melbourne Hairpin which will become turn one of the circuit. Goddards corner will also be removed with competitors coming from the first corner into a new section of track which cuts into the infield before looping towards the left and joining the Wheatcroft Straight towards Redgate.
The circuit will remain unchanged until after McLean’s Corner, which will see a pit entry lane installed just ahead of a tightened Coppice.
North West Leicestershire District Council granted planning permission for the scheme at a meeting on Thursday after being satisfied that the development would cause minimal disruption to local residents.
In recent years, Donington has been roundly criticised over traffic congestion on event days from both race goers and local residents but councillors were satisfied that the new plan, which includes improved public transport provision, was adequate.
“We will definitely be celebrating tonight,” exclaimed circuit owner Simon Gillett, who now has 17 months to find the funding for the scheme and to start construction. “This is a major step forward and one more target delivered”.
“I remain committed to approaching every stage of this development with the same passion and vigour with which we attacked the planning stage and I have endeavoured to ensure that the same is true of the people who will work with me on this project.
“My eye is always on that fixed end date of July 2010. I remain confident and positive that we can and will achieve everything that we have promised and I won’t rest until I am watching the British Grand Prix at Donington Park next year.”
His excitement at the positive news was mirrored by Donington Park landowner Tom Wheatcroft: “I’m delighted to see that the plans have been accepted – there is a lot of work ahead now for everyone and I am looking forward enthusiastically to 2010 and the arrival of the British F1 Grand Prix,”.
Details of the plans for Donington Park can be found here. (PDF)
