Plans to create a “world-leading” sports, leisure and entertainment complex at the site of the proposed Circuit of Wales have been announced, where it is hoped thousands of jobs will be created.
Although the Ebbw Vale circuit is yet to be fully approved, the company behind the racetrack hope to develop the Blaenau Gwent site in conjunction with the EXTREME Sports Company. The £425 million scheme has twice been turned down by the Welsh Government, although a revised bid is said to be close to being submitted.

EXTREME’s offering will include a collection of indoor and outdoor action and adventure sports as well as leisure facilities. The proposals will include a variety of food and drink and retail outlets and themed accommodation. Martin Whitaker, the Circuit of Wales’ CEO, said: “Our partnership with EXTREME underlines the unique range of activities, facilities and services the Circuit’s enterprise cluster will offer Wales and the UK. The Circuit aims to provide much more than a racing facility; it will be a 365-day leisure and business destination. The support we have received to date from the racing, automotive and investment communities emphasises the Circuit’s long-term role in boosting tourism, creating jobs and diversifying the local economy.”

The people behind the plan claim it is the “largest privately-funded infrastructure project in Wales” and is “the most significant capital investment program in automotive, motorsport and extreme sport infrastructure in the UK within the last 50 years”. They hope it will attract an estimated 750,000 visitors a year once completed and bring an estimated £50 million into the Welsh economy per annum.

Alistair Gosling, the chairman and chief executive of EXTREME, said: “With the growth and interest we are seeing in our sector, it is fantastic to announce this world leading EXTREME Destination, combining a never before seen collection of sports, entertainment and leisure experiences.”

Proposed facilities include mountain bike trails, a BMX park, indoor skiing, a surf park, as well as live music stages and two new hotels and a campsite.

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