Mar 27, 2005, 01:11 PM
Project Rev's vision for motor sport
26 March 2005
A multi-million pound scheme to make Norfolk a centre point for motor sports
and unlock a "hidden jewel" in the region's economic crown can be unveiled
today.
An enterprise park is being planned at Thetford and would be the heart of a
project stretching right along the A11 corridor, taking in Lotus's base at
Hethel, Snetterton racetrack and Attleborough.
Under the proposals, being drawn up by Breckland Council, the Crown Estate
and regional economic body Shaping the Future, the county would play host to
a "cluster" of hi-tech engineering and motor sport firms.
As well as encouraging existing firms to work together and grow, the Rural
Enterprise Valley (Rev) scheme hopes to attract new businesses - and new
jobs - to the area.
Former Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer - now head of the company which
runs Snetterton circuit - last night described the proposals as "really
exciting" and predicted it could help re-establish Norfolk as a key national
centre for the motor sports industry.
He also revealed that a £10m five-year development is being carried out to
bring the glory days back to Snetterton.
Mr Palmer - who drove for a number of F1 teams during the 1980s and is now
chief executive of circuit owner MotorSport Vision - said: "I am thrilled
that the importance of motor sport and the industry has been recognised by
Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council.
"It is a key area for motor sport activity."
He predicted there would be a snowball effect of more specialist firms and
racing teams being attracted to the area as the profile was raised.
"In the 1960s and 70s Snetterton was a pretty major circuit in the UK, but
then it declined.
"I am eager to reverse that and we have very exciting plans and we want to
attract more prestigious racing to the circuit.
"There is a real sense of rejuvenation."
The heart of Rev will be at Thetford, where Breckland and the Crown Estate
plan a £3m 44-acre enterprise park on land next to the Fison Way and Brunel
Way industrial estates.
As well as hi-tech business units it is also hoped to attract a large hotel
chain to the site. Backers said that together with Yarmouth's new outer
harbour the scheme will add to pressure on the Government to complete the
dualling of the A11 as quickly as possible.
The announcement - reported in yesterday's EDP - that work will start next
year on the £25m Attleborough bypass is a boost to Rev.
Mark Stanton, Breckland council's economic development and regeneration
manager, said:"I am constantly surprised by how many highly skilled
engineering firms we have in Norfolk. These are small firms that trade with
Japan, America, Australia and New Zealand.
"They are our hidden jewels. What we want to do is bring them together so
they can share expertise and bid for larger contracts."
26 March 2005
A multi-million pound scheme to make Norfolk a centre point for motor sports
and unlock a "hidden jewel" in the region's economic crown can be unveiled
today.
An enterprise park is being planned at Thetford and would be the heart of a
project stretching right along the A11 corridor, taking in Lotus's base at
Hethel, Snetterton racetrack and Attleborough.
Under the proposals, being drawn up by Breckland Council, the Crown Estate
and regional economic body Shaping the Future, the county would play host to
a "cluster" of hi-tech engineering and motor sport firms.
As well as encouraging existing firms to work together and grow, the Rural
Enterprise Valley (Rev) scheme hopes to attract new businesses - and new
jobs - to the area.
Former Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer - now head of the company which
runs Snetterton circuit - last night described the proposals as "really
exciting" and predicted it could help re-establish Norfolk as a key national
centre for the motor sports industry.
He also revealed that a £10m five-year development is being carried out to
bring the glory days back to Snetterton.
Mr Palmer - who drove for a number of F1 teams during the 1980s and is now
chief executive of circuit owner MotorSport Vision - said: "I am thrilled
that the importance of motor sport and the industry has been recognised by
Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council.
"It is a key area for motor sport activity."
He predicted there would be a snowball effect of more specialist firms and
racing teams being attracted to the area as the profile was raised.
"In the 1960s and 70s Snetterton was a pretty major circuit in the UK, but
then it declined.
"I am eager to reverse that and we have very exciting plans and we want to
attract more prestigious racing to the circuit.
"There is a real sense of rejuvenation."
The heart of Rev will be at Thetford, where Breckland and the Crown Estate
plan a £3m 44-acre enterprise park on land next to the Fison Way and Brunel
Way industrial estates.
As well as hi-tech business units it is also hoped to attract a large hotel
chain to the site. Backers said that together with Yarmouth's new outer
harbour the scheme will add to pressure on the Government to complete the
dualling of the A11 as quickly as possible.
The announcement - reported in yesterday's EDP - that work will start next
year on the £25m Attleborough bypass is a boost to Rev.
Mark Stanton, Breckland council's economic development and regeneration
manager, said:"I am constantly surprised by how many highly skilled
engineering firms we have in Norfolk. These are small firms that trade with
Japan, America, Australia and New Zealand.
"They are our hidden jewels. What we want to do is bring them together so
they can share expertise and bid for larger contracts."