PLANS to expand a north Wales racing circuit have been revealed, which could boost Anglesey’s economy to the tune of £2 million a year.

Anglesey Council has received a planning application from the operators of Trac Môn for substantial improvements to the Tŷ Croes-based circuit which they say could attract an extra 40,000 visitors a year by attracting “more and bigger” events to the island.

The circuit, which recently celebrated its 25th birthday. began life during the late 1980’s when a local farmer sought permission to test his rally car on the site of the former Tŷ Croes military base, near Aberffraw.

Going on to host its first motorcycle race in 1992, it was fully licensed in 1997 for both car and motorcycle races and now also hosts a racing school.

But according to track bosses, the plans earmarked for the circuit could see an extra 40,000 visitors every year, bringing an extra £2m to the local economy and create 44 construction jobs for the duration of the works.

The expansion, they say, would help the circuit “to compete and compare favourably with other motor racing circuits in the UK and internationally.”

The planned works include a redesign of the track to allow for new kinds of races, an extension of the paddock, garages and hospitality suite and on-site cafe facilities.

The planning statement accompanying the application, notes: “In the recent past a number of events which would have been extremely beneficial to both the circuit and Wales as a whole have declined to come to Trac Môn, citing the lack of hospitality resources as the main reason.

“It is estimated that these events alone would have generated over £600,000 for the local economy, supporting 9.5 full time equivalent jobs.

“Additionally, some of the largest current events that the circuit hosts are considered ‘at risk’ due to a lack of investment in appropriate facilities.”

In full, the proposals include removing a number of existing temporary buildings and replacing them with:

  • An extension of the paddock area to better accommodate support vehicles
  • Extending the pit lane garages to provide an extra four units and conference room above
  • New circuit office and medical centre
  • Single-storey shop / race school / office building and fuel pumps
  • Two-storey cafe / restaurant and terrace
  • Fast food building
  • Amending the track configuration and pit exit lane to improve safety and access

“The location of the circuit, whilst it has extraordinary advantages in terms of the setting and atmosphere, is peripheral to the rest of the UK,” the supporting statement goes on to say.

“Nearly all customers will have to make a longer journey to Anglesey than they would to competitor circuits such as Oulton Park in Cheshire.

“Whilst the location is an advantage, decisions regarding the siting of events are more likely to be driven by core considerations including price, track configuration, paddock, garaging and supporting facilities such as accommodation/catering and hospitality opportunities rather than the setting.

“Trac Môn therefore needs to offer better facilities and core offer than its competition.”

If approved, its expected that the works would be complete in readiness for the 2021 racing season.

Its expected that council planners will consider the application over the coming months.