Mercedes Land at Brooklands

Sacrilege or welcome investment?

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 5 November 2002 / Loading comments

Sections of the old banked track still exist.
Photo (c) Andy Van Gortel

DaimlerChrysler UK has agreed to purchase a 150 acre site in the middle of the old Brooklands race track at Weybridge in Surrey. It plans to build a Heritage and Technology Centre for Mercedes-Benz at the heart of the home of British motor racing.

The purchase of the central area of the Brooklands site, from the Universities’ Superannuation Scheme (USS), is subject to DaimlerChrysler obtaining planning consent.

Geoff Brady, Managing Director for DaimlerChrysler UK Retail said: "We plan to build the centre to commemorate the history of the world-famous Mercedes-Benz marque and its association with Brooklands and as a technological showcase for our passenger cars.

"We recognise the sensitivity of this site and are working closely with Elmbridge Borough Council, the Brooklands Museum and English Heritage to ensure that our proposals will help to preserve and celebrate the rich history of Brooklands."

The Heritage and Technology Centre would be housed in a single building next to the Brooklands Museum and would include display galleries and a technology centre. A feature would be made of the long history of racing Mercedes at Brooklands and the theatre, visitor, education and hospitality facilities will be made available to local businesses and schools.

The centre would also offer customers the ability to customise and collect their new Mercedes-Benz and to drive their new vehicles on a specially designed circuit.

Dermot Kelly, director for Mercedes-Benz, said: "This proposal is exciting for the Brooklands site and Mercedes. We both share a rich heritage, and, if we are successful with our planning application, our plans would give the site the protection and development it deserves. We would enhance the open character of the site by rejuvenating the derelict areas and providing a wonderful recreational resource for the local community."

An outline planning application is currently being prepared. A proposed business development adjacent to the existing light industrial area, a four star hotel and new access for the Brooklands Museum may also be included in the application.

Links: www.brooklands.org.uk, www.brooklandsmuseum.com