Plans in for Aston Martin F1 “showcase” building

Plans have been lodged for the development of a “showcase” building for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team in Northamptonshire. The scheme acts as an expansion to the organisation’s recently approved headquarters.Extending to approximately 32.3 acres, the application site is situated to the west of the Silverstone Race Circuit on land already occupied by Aston Martin F1. It comprises the existing Aston Martin building at its centre and associated car parking to the south west.The new staff amenity facility would total about 60,000 sq ft over two floors, containing uses related to the team’s performance, physical and mental health, social and breakout habits, as well as facilities to support the programme of the adjacent buildings.Aston Martin said the development, which features a large commercial/events space, complimented by social areas, a restaurant and gym, will become a “showcase” building.A statement filed with West Northamptonshire Council on behalf of the applicant said: “Since the team’s acquisition by a consortium led by our chairman Lawrence Stroll, the team have focussed on an investment programme to realise an ambition to continue to be a truly competitive participant in the Formula 1 World Championship, consistently challenging for race and Championship wins, year-on-year.”Our owners have invested over £200m to date enhancing our current manufacturing capability, enabling the team to increase the pace of development and retain a competitive edge in the sport, however, we currently operate from several leasehold properties, a situation that we urgently need to address to increase our efficiency.”From the outset, the new facility will reflect the excellence, discernment, and attention to detail for which Formula 1 is world renowned. Our new facility has been designed to greatly enhance an area of great importance to the UK motorsport industry providing continued high-quality employment opportunities for both local candidates and those from a wider international catchment area.”The result of our long-standing commitment to the area supports a further evolution of an advanced electronics and automotive cluster within Northamptonshire and associated with this, a highly trained and skilled workforce. These achievements cannot be sustained without the support and close partnership working with the local authority and its proactive commitment to helping Aston Martin F1 with its business development.”