The owners of Buckmore Park have unveiled plans to create The Paddock, a new motorsport-themed centre at the Kent karting circuit.
The investment in a new 20,000 ft2 building would be a home for a state-of-the-art simulator room, a restaurant and bar, and a viewing terrace overlooking the circuit.
It would help meet the growing demand from the public and karting community and sustain Buckmore Park’s future as the UK’s favourite karting circuit.
The design of The Paddock has taken its inspiration from the pitlanes of the golden era of motorsport and the life of John Surtees, the circuit’s former owner, who is a seven-times motorcycle world champion and Formula One world champion.
Recognising the circuit’s motorsports pedigree, the plans also include a space in the reception to display a heritage racing car as a focal point for visitors on arrival.
If the plans are approved by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, it will create a 120-seat restaurant and sports bar, alongside 18 state-of-the-art motion simulators, plus a 100-seat briefing and conference room.
A 1,000 ft2 roof terrace will give visitors the opportunity to view the racing live at the international standard circuit.
Leonora Martell-Surtees, co-owner of Buckmore Park and daughter of John Surtees, said: “Today’s karting community and general public demand not only a challenging circuit offering an exhilarating racing experience, but also the facilities that create a destination in its own right.
“The Paddock, with its simulator room, viewing terrace, restaurant and bar, would add an exciting new dimension to what Buckmore offers.
“It will be the ideal place for visitors of all ages to watch Formula 1, World Endurance Championship, Formula E and F1 Academy, as well as having the chance to get on track themselves.”
The Paddock will provide a further 30 job opportunities in addition to the 50-strong workforce already at the circuit, close to the M2 at the top of Blue Bell Hill.
At the heart of the plans is helping to bring forward the future champions of motorsport as Buckmore Park has done in the past with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button and more recently, Lando Norris and Ollie Bearman.
Co-owner Richard Martell-Surtees added: “This year saw us successfully launch the Buckmore Driver Development Programme, an intensive week-long course to elevate young drivers careers with tuition on fitness, nutrition, engineering, as well as racing skills. Due to the demand of this, we have already scheduled further programmes for April and August 2025.
“The Paddock would be the Programme’s new home and provide hands-on experience thanks to the simulators and circuit, combined with the briefing and classroom facilities to nurture yet more sporting legends.
“If approved, we aim to be breaking ground on site in 2026 and open The Paddock to our first visitors in 2027.”
Details of the proposals are online at www.buckmore.co.uk/paddock, with the public able to provide their views until 5 December.
