Eastern Creek expansion study due in August
The Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) has announced the $350,000 study to expand Sydney’s Eastern Creek International Raceway will be tabled by August this year.
The study will contain recommendations which include building a number of circuits within the facility, allowing more than one circuit event to be conducted at the same time.
Eastern Creek Raceway’s promoter, the Australian Racing Drivers Club, expects to consider the recommendation and release details before spring.
The results of the investigation will be provided to the NSW State Government, the complex’s landlord.
Representatives of UK-based Apex Circuit Design have now undertaken a comprehensive five-day study trip in Australia.
Apex has been responsible for developing new tracks and transforming existing facilities in Europe, the USA and the Middle East.
Apex representatives told the ARDC that Eastern Creek held a unique geographical advantage.
“They said they did not know of another circuit which was virtually in the middle of a capital city, yet sufficiently isolated so that traditional negatives were not an issue,” ARDC president John Cotter said.
Eastern Creek Raceway was in January this year gazetted as part of the Western Sydney Parklands area, permanently dedicated to recreation.
“The new zoning has given the ARDC a strong opportunity to invest in development beyond its core use as a motor racing circuit,” Mr Cotter said.
“Road safety, driver and rider training are major imperatives, along with corporate use, exhibitions, entertainment – even cycling and running.
“Social issues are particularly important. Part of the brief to Apex has been to find a way to better interact with youth, and their parents.”
Apex designers have taken CAD impressions of the circuit complex and its environs over an area from Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains.
“Their study will be an encompassing view of the positive impact that development can have, not only on Eastern Creek Raceway but on the social and economic environment of the community,” Mr Cotter said.
“The intention is to reinforce Eastern Creek Raceway as a meaningful contributor to Sydney.”
