Could motor racing be coming to Ebbw Vale?

Paul Dancey on 29/11/2011

Plans have been unveiled for a new £200m motor racing circuit at Ebbw Vale.

The proposed circuit would be built on private land close to the Rassau Industrial Estate and the heads of the valleys road, and would have the potential to host major championship events like Moto GP, World and British Superbikes, and the World Touring Car Championship.

It's been reported that the London based hedge fund the Duet Group has put together a consortium of investors willing to back this ambitious project, and has already met with the UK coalition government's Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillian, to discus possible funding.

Duet are currently holding discussions with the Welsh Government and the local authority, and hope to be in a position to submit a preliminary planning application early next year.

Paul Shackson, a spokesperson for the project, told the BBC: "I can confirm that we are in detailed and very positive discussions with the Welsh government and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council about delivering a low carbon automotive centre of excellence in Blaenau Gwent.

"It would be of international importance, would transform the region and bring thousands of new jobs.

"Crucially though, it's not just about a new motor sport facility, there would be a substantial amount of investment in high-tech research and development that would really place south Wales on the map of the UK automotive sector.

"We're hoping discussions will be concluded fairly soon and we can then reveal full details."

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