PLANNING approval has been granted for a £29 million Co Tyrone racetrack, which could play host to international motorsport competitions.
Proposals to create an international motorsport racetrack in Coalisland were approved by planners at Mid Ulster District Council on Tuesday evening.
Lake Torrent, a 57 acre site, formerly known as the 'clay pits' is set to become a 3.59 km circuit, offering 12 turns and a mix of technical and high speed sequences, with associated pit garages, spectator gallery, hospitality facilities and new access and public link roads.
It is hoped that the venue could play host to regional, national and international competitions, aiming ultimately to host events like the World Super Bike Championships and British Touring Car Championship, attracting up to 30,000 spectators.
Just last month the Belfast owners of Norlin Racing outlined plans for a touring car race in Belfast city centre within two years, bringing as many as 80,000 people to Northern Ireland and generating "multi-millions" for the local economy.
The Coalisland project is the brainchild of Manna Developments and their vision is to regenerate Coalisland through the creation of a world-class motorsport and training centre for Northern Ireland, whilst providing the local community with new opportunities for business, engineering and leisure through increased tourism, job creation and research and development.
The complete 163 acre development at the former clay pits includes the creation of an International Motorsport Centre of Excellence, with three race tracks and as many as 200 new full-time jobs across the local region.
Chair of the Mid Ulster District Council planning committee, Cáthal Mallaghan said the plans will provide a "significant boost" to the local economy.
“Lake Torrent is a hugely impressive and ambitious proposal which will transform a substantial and unused area of depleted clay pits into a world-class motorsport centre," he said.
"The proposal represents an initial £29 million investment which will create 500 jobs during construction, and 40 full-time positions on an ongoing basis. It is anticipated there will be over 500 posts on race days which will provide a significant boost to the local economy of Coalisland, and also be a substantial driver for increasing the number of visitors coming to Mid Ulster."
At the same council meeting, plans were also approved for new Jaguar and Landrover showrooms for Donnelly Brothers in Dungannon, representing an investment of £6 million.
“Landrover is the foundation of the Donnelly Group and this £6 million investment will bring Jaguar cars to Mid Ulster, securing existing jobs in Dungannon and doubling the workforce for the brand," Cllr Mallaghan added.
Two substantial housing proposals were also approved by council, with 65 dwellings earmarked for Magherafelt and a development of 40 detached, semi-detached, terrace and apartments agreed for Aughnacloy.
