Plans to bring a new motorsports events centre to a famous race track where Formula One royalty trained have been given the green light.
Bosses at Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, on the outskirts of Chatham, announced earlier today (July 1) the new 20,000 sq ft building, to be called ‘The Paddock’, had been approved.
It will feature a 120-seat restaurant and sports bar, as well as a room dedicated to 18 top-of-the-line motion simulators.
There will also be a 1,000 sq ft viewing terrace, which will overlook the popular circuit.
The scheme will create 30 new jobs, which will add to the 50-strong workforce already on site, bosses at the race track say.
Co-owner of the circuit, Leonora Martell-Surtees, said: “This decision is a great vote of confidence in what we do at Buckmore and how we support the karting community and local economy.
“The combination of the challenging circuit offering an exhilarating racing experience while also having the facilities that create a destination in its own right add an exciting new dimension to Buckmore Park.”
It comes after Tonbridge and Malling council voted to approve the plans, which were first revealed on November 7.
The Paddock will be built on an unused part of the site which had been for junior drivers with work not affecting the current operations.
The project marks a dramatic change in the parks’ fortunes after the track struggled financially during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Mrs Leonora Martell-Surtees previously told KentOnline the hospitality section will help the commercial side of the business meet growing demand.
It follows an explosion of interest in motorsports thanks to the hit Netflix series ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ which the 35-year-old says has brought the sport back into people’s homes.
She added: “We have seen so much success with the business over the last few years and rebuilding post-Covid as people are even more passionate about getting out and doing things and enjoying time with loved ones and friends.
“So we’re building on our success and really maximising on creating a new space for people to come and enjoy.”
Read more: How dilapidated circuit became celebs’ favourite racing track
Mrs Martell-Surtees is the daughter of the late motorsport legend John Surtees who bought the park in 2015 and says the development would be “so up his street”.
He was the only man to have won both the F1 and motorcycling Grand Prix world championships, winning seven world motorbike championships before becoming F1 World Champion with Ferrari in 1964.
The inspiration behind the design of The Paddock is from pitlanes of the era of motorsport from which John lived.
This includes a space in the reception to display a heritage racing car as a focal point for visitors on arrival.
Famously seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton whizzed around the track during his youth.
John Herbert, Jenson Button and more recently Lando Norris and Ollie Bearman have also raced at Buckmore, which celebrated its 60th birthday last year.
Other celebrities have also been pictured at Buckmore including royals Prince William and Harry in 1992.
Over the coming months, Buckmore Park bosses says they will be working hard behind the scenes before any construction begins — and will keep people posted with regular updates across its social channels.
“Thank you for your ongoing support, and we can’t wait to share this exciting journey with you,” they added.
To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
Cllr Matt Boughton, leader of Tonbridge and Malling council, which gave the events venue the nod, said: “The owners of Buckmore Park and their team worked very closely with our planning officers, giving us the confidence to grant permission for this exciting investment in the borough.”
Buckmore Park hopes to open The Paddock to its first visitors in 2027.
