Motocross could put mid Wales on ‘clean-tech’ map
Plans for a dedicated e-bike motocross track and experience centre in mid Wales can be revealed.
The proposed centre near Llandrindod Wells, Powys, is a joint venture between a group of British businessmen who are in discussions with a major manufacturer of the world-leading battery-operated motocross e-bikes.
The e-bikes provide the same level of riding experience as conventional petrol-engine motocross bikes, but use clean-tech battery technology and are much quieter.
Building designers and planning consultants Hughes Architects have begun a 28-day preplanning consultation for the centre for an existing motocross site at Rhyd-blawd Farm.
A full planning application will follow for the nine-hectare site, which will include luxury treehouse accommodation for visitors, a visitor experience centre and on-site shop.
The centre will be based around the existing motocross course at the site, allowing visitors to experience the batterypowered e-bikes, as well as acting as a base for the sale of the world-leading technology in the UK.
Some petrol motocross bikes will still be used at the centre.
It comes as more attention focuses on clean-tech automotive technology, such as Formula E electric car racing championships.
Phil Wilding, one of the businessmen behind the project, said: “We’re excited to be bringing a dedicated e-bike motocross experience to the UK and particularly this part of mid Wales, which has a rich heritage in motocross.
“The technology allows the same great performance as petrol motocross bikes, but without the pollution often associated with it, including noise.”
Adam Watkins, of Hughes Architects, is leading on the design and planning permission.
He said: “The project will see plans submitted to extend the terms of use of the existing course with the new quieter e-bikes, as well as for a range of luxury treehouse accommodation, a visitor experience centre and offices.”
“The pre-planning consultation will allow us to input the view of residents and other interested parties into the final planning application submitted to Powys County Council.”
The plans and project information will be available at a portal on the Hughes Architects website, where opinions can be submitted as part of the consultation.
The near £1m investment includes the creation of 15 jobs, including motocross experience staff and e-bike sales staff.
A range of the e-bikes will be available for testing and to experience at the centre, where competitive events are also envisaged.
Mr Wilding added: “We are looking forward to putting mid Wales firmly on the cleantech automotive map, using 21st-century technology that is bringing a well-loved sport into the environmentally conscious world.”