Anglesey Circuit - Environmental Improvements and Impact

The first tranche of land was re-acquired in 1989 and most of the 140 buildings cleared from the site. Its use for racing resulted from a local farmer having a rally cross car he wanted to try out. In 1993 a one mile long and 9 metre wide track was opened and by 1997 the circuit was fully licensed with the Motor Sports Association and the Auto Cycle Union.

In Autumn 2006 the race circuit closed for one of the most exciting and significant developments in British motor sport this millennium to be commenced.

The Project

Prior to any work being carried out an extensive survey was done to identify any unexploded ordnance. A team of leading experts in noise, landscape and ecology was assembled and a full Environmental Impact Assessment was carried out. Environment assessment has been on-going throughout the project to ensure that there was no detrimental impact on the SSSI and surrounding area.

To minimise disruption to local inhabitants, all of the earth excavated for the project was reused on the site; aggregate was quarried on-site saving an estimated 3,500 lorry journeys on local roads with their potential for pollution, nuisance and use of resources.

Because of this ready source of aggregate, the track was laid using a cold asphalt foam thus reducing the amount of energy required to finish the surface. Detritus was used for landscaping within the project and, following the construction, to enable the development to be sympathetic to its setting and attractive to visitors, nine tonnes of grass and wild flower seed was sown.

Another aspect of the project was the redevelopment of one of the derelict MOD buildings. This now provides the new Circuit Office, which incorporates office space - one of which has been let to Kickstart Motorcycle Training - and three versatile seminar/meeting rooms, including a 960sq ft lecture theatre, capable of displaying vehicles and for use as an exhibition or studio venue.

The other half of the building - with state of the art treatment rooms and medical centre - has been sub-let to Premier First Aid.

Noise Reduction

One of the principal drivers with regards to the reconfiguration of the circuit was the need to deliver a reduction in noise levels affecting our neighbouring communities at Aberffraw, Llanfaelog and Rhosneigr. The circuit has been monitoring noise levels for a number of years and the new track configuration was designed to ensure the noisiest parts were taken out, bunds built to absorb sound, and activity would be within agreed noise limits. A state of the art Noise Control and Management System has been developed with the help of Anglesey County Council's environmental health officers. This system gives all concerned the confidence that there will be compliance with all agreed noise limits.

Waste Control and Recycling

During the project, 10,000 waste lorry tyres were amalgamated into the build. As tyres are discarded by competitors they are stored for use in building chicanes for rally meetings and are slowly being painted and planted up to help make the site attractive to visitors. We have a special waste oil tank for responsible disposal and a multitude of recycling bins in the paddock area to encourage staff, competitors and visitors to dispose of their waste easily and efficiently.

Conservation

Anglesey Circuit is a biodiversity hotspot. The circuit incorporates the Ty Croes Site of Special Scientific Interest. This SSSI is an excellent example of marine heathland, an increasingly rare habitat, and is home to priority species such as the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly, Brown Hare and Chough. The Anglesey Circuit is proud that the SSSI was designated a number of years after the circuit started operations and is currently in excellent condition.

Anglesey Circuit - the home of green motorsport

Anglesey was the first motor racing circuit to sign up to EEMS - the UK Government's Energy Efficient Motor Sport initiative, which aims to promote a sustainable future for the UK motor sport industry by addressing the environmental issues of carbon and other toxic emissions and fuel energy wastage. Indeed, the new Honda Civic Hybrid rally car made its competitive debut at Anglesey Circuit on 20 November 2007, The petrol electric Civic tackled two gruelling days of 14 special stages in atrocious weather conditions to finish half way up the field, proving the competitive potential of the environmentally responsible technology.

Education and the Local Community

Anglesey Circuit is working with the Welsh Motorsport Initiative and Welsh Automotive Forum to promote links between schools, motor sport and the wider world.

To foster local 'ownership' of the Circuit, residents of surrounding postcode districts and all Estate tenants  may apply for a pass which allows them free entry to all events. It is planned to increase the profile of the circuit with non-motorsport people by opening it to charitable, sporting events which will attract people from the island and further afield.

The meeting room facilities are proving attractive to businesses for seminars and training, and we have had our first booking for a Christening party - taking advantage of the spectacular view afforded over the track, down to Llanddwyn Island and the Strait and mountains beyond.

Visitors to the Circuit

Throughout the project, we continued to receive visitors to the site - people intrigued by the major civil engineering project or to gain first hand knowledge of the track. The new circuit incorporates four configurations: Club Circuit (0.8 miles); National Circuit (1.2 miles); Coastal Circuit (1.55 miles) and International Circuit (2.1 miles) - the Club and National Circuits can be operated simultaneously. At 12 metres wide, the track is one of the widest circuits in Britain. It offers a host of new challenges for the competitor and a dynamic attraction for visitors. The circuit now has the potential to host major national and international events such as British and European Formula 3, National GT, British Touring Car Championship and the British Superbike Championship.

Motor sport is an industry worth £4.6 billion to the British economy and Anglesey Circuit is pleased to be contributing, not only to this, but also to the local economy, both directly, and indirectly in promoting all local accommodation providers, garages and petrol stations, shops and restaurants.

The circuit is not only used for car and motorcycle racing, it also an important test track facility playing host to major oil companies conducting research and development into alternative fuels and additives. Media companies produce DVDs and magazines do extensive testing and photo shoots here. The television programme Fifth Gear are regular visitors. Manufacturers have also used the circuit for product launches and north-west based universities are regular visitors to the circuit, enjoying the facilities for their students who are taking degree courses in motor sport. In all media coverage, the stunning setting of the circuit helps promote Anglesey's natural beauty to a wider potential audience of visitors.

Positive Steps for the Future

Anglesey Circuit takes the challenge of climate change extremely seriously. The circuit has taken steps to reduce its own emissions of greenhouse gases by being the first motor racing circuit in the UK to install a renewable energy device, a 6KW wind turbine located in the paddock.

The Directors of Trac Môn Limited are fully aware of the importance of the challenges ahead in attracting visitors to Anglesey and exceeding visitor expectations, but are confident that, this is sustainable development in action.