Silverstone revamp set to face opposition

BRDC president Jackie Stewart wrote to the club's members last week asking for their endorsement of the appointment of developers St. Modwen Properties to head the project to revamp Silverstone.

With the BRDC board unwilling to invest time and effort in signing a contract with St. Modwen without the backing of the members, an Extraordinary General Meeting has been called for Silverstone on February 22 to gain their approval.

Hopes that support for the move would be easily gained at the EGM appear to be dashed, however, with sources claiming that a growing number of members are planning to vote against the St. Modwen plans.

The opposition is believed to stem from the fact that the St. Modwen deal would likely result in Silverstone being leased out for a period that could be as long as 150 years.

Sources claim that around 90 members, out of the 580 who are allowed to vote, have currently indicated that they will not support the St. Modwen plan. However, further opposition may be galvanised by an alternative plan for Silverstone's future that may be put forward at the EGM.

Former British F3 champion Harry Stiller denied speculation on Monday linking him to a rival re-development plan, although he admitted he was not supportive of the way the situation was being handled by the BRDC board.

"That is not true," he said when asked about rumours linking him with a rival bid. "But I will confirm that I am an angry member who is unhappy about the deal and the way it has been dealt with by the current administration."