Thruxton circuit to add first new building in more than 30 years
Thruxton circuit will get its first new building in more than 30 years with the creation of a two-storey hospitality suite on the inside of Allard corner
Bosses of the BARC-run circuit are expecting construction work one new £1.5 million building to start just after the British Superbike Championship rounds at the Hampshire venue in late August.
Its completion is expected before the British Touring Car Championship round at the venue in 2018, which is traditionally held in early May.
The structure will be created on the site of the current Goodwood restaurant and Thruxton Suite and is expected to comprise hospitality suites, a viewing balcony and briefing and function rooms, as well as a new restaurant facility on its lower block for competitors and spectators.
Its location will provide more space for the construction of a longer and wider pitlane. Track bosses hope that it could lead to new pit garages being built in the future.
Thruxton group managing director Bill Coombs said: "The original restaurant and suite were put there in 1984 as part of a temporary solution - it has taken a while to get to the answer!
"This will be a building that is in keeping with a track that hosts meetings of BTCC and Superbike level.
"We have to make the track work commercially, and that is hard work with the noise restrictions placed on us," added Coombs.
"We do a lot of manufacturer days and track days, and this structure will have 10 briefing rooms too and it will help us look after our clients.
"This is an important part of putting Thruxton on a level footing commercially."
The announcement of the new building comes a fortnight after track bosses revealed an upgrade to the safety of the run-off at Church corner, at a cost of £700,000.
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