A new venue in the track day and race calendar is set for 2016, as planning permission has been granted for the Circuit of Wales. The 830-acre venue aims to attract 750,000 visitors a year.
Though the economic climate hasn't exactly encouraged multi-million pound circuit development, it is surprising more tracks haven't emerged in Wales. Yes, Llandow isn't the most visually appealing circuit, but a few minutes watching an Anglesey video with its stunning backdrop is enough to get a road trip to the Welsh coast prepared.
For sale: one theme park, never used
The Circuit of Wales should match Anglesey for visual drama, the Ebbw Vale offering unique topography and valley views. As well as a 3.5-mile track, the complex will also include motocross and karting facilities alongside an off-road driving course. Hotel, commercial and retail complexes will also be built. Fortunately, there's no mention of a
Nurburgring-esque theme park
The project has a £280 million budget, with construction due to start at the end of this year. The Circuit of Wales team estimate that 3,000 jobs will be created during the circuit build, with between 4,000-6,000 vacancies on completion. Typically there's much talk at present about 'transformational investment' and 'long-term economic regeneration', but success can of course only be judged with the project up and running. Let's hope it can deliver.