WANNEROO MASTER PLAN UNVEILED

Wanneroo Raceway master plan unveiled – Photo: InSyde Media

Last week the master plan forecast for the provisional Wanneroo Raceway upgrades were unveiled featuring an entirely new FIA Grade II circuit adjacent to the current complex.

By HEATH McALPINE

The new precinct was proposed due to the cost of improvements needed to the current circuit outweighing the benefits, opportunities and to optimise the parcel of land that is to the north of the circuit.

Within the master plan it was stated that Turns 3,4 and 7 needed to be aligned on the existing circuit. Also, it was suggested that the circuit needed to be lengthened to at least 3km to attract world-class international events and widened to 10m conforming to Motorsport Australia guidelines.

The cost of these changes at approximately $2.8 million and the loss of character to the original layout contributed to Wanneroo Council favouring an entirely new complex.

This doesn’t mean the current layout will sit dormant, but it will turn into a driver training and club circuit for the Western Australian Sporting Car Club.

The new 4.6km design produced by noted circuit designers Apex meets the above stipulations and includes the ability to use various configurations, including a 2.9km National Circuit and is inspired by recently built circuits The Bend Motorsport Park and Tony Quinn’s Highland Motorsport Park in New Zealand.

A significant pit lane facility featuring corporate and spectator viewing points are included.

The current layout will also receive a birthday with an improvement of access into the circuit, an overpass and new fencing included within the master plan.

Priority 1 plans tally up to $183.5 million, which is made up of the above plus an off-road training course and an FIM motocross track.

Motorsport Australia has suggested the new facility should be run by a private operator, but support the new Keysbrook development also situated in Western Australia.

The Wanneroo Council are estimating the new complex if all plans come to fruition will be completed by 2030 as it continues to have a population boom and eyes an increase in Asian visitation.

It was also highlighted that the Perth SuperNight Supercars event was ranked in the top seven events by Tourism WA. These plans also come after the Collie Motorplex near Bunbury was recently extended and the aforementioned Keysbrook facility located south of Perth is currently being assessed.

The master plan was on the Wanneroo Council website, but has since been removed.

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