Placemaking, innovation and social sustainability for Silverstone Park

Challenge

SLR has been acting on behalf of MEPC to significantly expand the motorsport-related business opportunities at Silverstone Park with a new technology park, hotel, education facilities and a social hub on land around the circuit.

It is predicted that 1,822 jobs will be created during the 10-15 year construction period and will contribute £78 million to the local economy. The site should generate up to 4,500 new jobs and contribute between £157 and £210 million to the South Northants economy post construction, depending on the type of businesses that move to Silverstone.

Planning permission was granted in December 2016 for: 157,000 sq m of employment space ranging from office use to storage and distribution, accommodation for around 200 students, 9,000 sq m of education floor space, and 250 hotel beds spread over a maximum of two hotels.

Solution

Placemaking, innovation and social sustainability were at the heart of the case. A social hub for those employed on the site and for visitors to circuit events will become the ‘heart’ of Silverstone Park and will include a gym, nursery, showers, changing facilities and a social area.

Impact

As part of the process, we met with resident groups and local councillors to ensure openness, sharing the concept and benefits in a clear and engaging way. This also allowed us to show that new junctions and highways improvements were not needed.