Work begins on new motorsport complex in Northern Ireland

Published: 20 September 2017

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Preparatory work has begun on a new international motorsports venue in Northern Ireland which aims to secure series like the MCE British Superbike Championship in coming years.

The £30 million development at Lake Torrent will see 163 acres of former clay pits in Coalisland, County Tyrone transformed into a ‘world class’ motorsport facility with the first phase of the project expected to be finished as early as 2019.

At this stage plans for that first stage include the circuit, pits, medical centre, restaurant, hospitality suites, six business units and a crèche as well as a new public ring road to bypass the town and facilitate easy access in and out.

Planning permission was granted on 5^th September this year and spades hit the ground for the first time during a media event today as preparatory groundworks begin.

“This is an historic day for the town of Coalisland, the county of Tyrone and for the whole of Northern Ireland as we finally start preparatory work on Lake Torrent,” said David Henderson, the man behind the project.

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“Lake Torrent has been a dream of mine that is 15 years in the making but it is now a reality.

“Our vision is to regenerate Coalisland and the surrounding areas through the creation of an internationally recognised motorsport arena which will become a venue for regional, national and international competitions, aiming ultimately to host events like Superbikes and Saloon Car Championships, attracting up to 30,000 spectators per event.”

British motorsport design firm Driven International have been appointed to design the course, which is set to be a 2.2mile undulating track with 12 turns and a mix of technical and high speed sections.

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By Oli Rushby

Former sports reporter covering British Superbikes, World Superbikes and road racing