Second Bathurst circuit gathers momentum
Bathurst Regional Council is considering numerous design proposals for permanent new circuitA new permanent circuit at Bathurst’s Mount Panorama has gained fresh momentum.
Bathurst Regional Council recently completed a design tender for a new 4.58 kilometre FIA/FIM accredited circuit on land west of McPhillamy Park and Reid Park. The council received proposals from five serious bidders “suitably qualified and experienced ... for the design of a motor racing circuit located at Mount Panorama”.
It is understood the secondary circuit will run separately to the regular 6.2km Mount Panorama layout, which is subject to limited availability because of resident access and its use as a public thoroughfare.
The proposed new $50 million layout will also feature three links for smaller circuit configurations and will be accessible via allocated race days and driving days. It will be reportedly called 'Velocity Park Raceway'.
According to Australian website Speedcafe.com, the tender process (which closed May 2) attracted bids from two international firms and three domestic firms. Bathurst Regional Council is set to shortlist three proposals in the coming weeks, before naming the successful applicant in July.
“We have received five (proposals) and we are currently shortlisting those to three and they will be asked to put in details and a formal application,” Bathurst Regional Council general manager David Sherley told Speedcafe.com.
The design of the new circuit must be based on a preliminary track layout supplied by the council. There is already talk that the layout could host a second Supercars event at Bathurst.
Not only would a second circuit inject money into the Bathurst region, it would also provide Sydney-siders with another track option outside of Eastern Creek and Wakefield Park, following the closure of Amaroo Park and Oran Park.
Bathurst Regional Council will reportedly contribute $10 million to the project. It has filed for a $20 million funding grant from the Federal government, and a $20 million contribution from the NSW state government.
Bathurst Regional Council has been contacted for comment.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
