by Gráinne Connolly
Prepatory work has now begun on an international motorsport centre of excellence that is set to deliver huge economic benefits and put Northern Ireland on the global racing map.
Around 700 jobs will be created in the 18 month construction phase of the £30 million Lake Torrent development.
Plans will see 163 acres of former clay pits in Coalisland, transformed into a motorsport complex with a championship racetrack and motorsport training centre in Northern Ireland.
There will be up to 80 part time and temporary positions coming up to provide services such as security, engineering, promotions, marketing, etc.
These will have significant spin-off benefits for local retailers, transport and accomodation providers.
Approximately 25 full time jobs will be created on completion to run and maintain the track on a daily basis with an additional 50 staff required on race days.
Planning permission was granted earlier this month by Mid Ulster District Council for the first phase of work which includes the race circuit, pits, medical centre, restaurant, hospitality suites, six business units and a crèche.
That's all as well as a new public ring road to bypass the town and facilitate easy access in and out of the Lake Torrent centre.
The first phase is due to be finished by early 2019.
Plans for the second phase of works has been submitted to build a further 90 retail and business units, as well as a range of community and leisure facilities including a hotel, cinema, theatre and more food outlets.
This makes the potential for further jobs within the overall complex huge.
Lake Torrent is the "brainchild" of Manna Developments founder and motor racing enthusiast David Henderson.
(MP for Mid Ulster, Francie Molloy, Councillor Kim Ashton, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council and David Henderson of Manna Developments)
Speaking about the development yesterday at the cutting of the first ribbon, Mr Henderson said:
“This is an historic day for the town of Coalisland, the county of Tyrone and for the whole of Northern Ireland as we finally start preparatory work on Lake Torrent, a dream of mine that has been 15 years in the making but is now a reality.
“I would like to offer my thanks for the incredible support of the local community, and in particular to local MP Francie Molloy, without whom we would not be standing here today, and Mid Ulster District Council for listening to and considering our proposals which admittedly must have seemed very ambitious to all concerned,” he added.
“Together our vision is to regenerate Coalisland and the surrounding areas through the creation of an internationally recognised motorsport arena which willbecome a venue for regional, national and international competitions, aiming ultimately to host events like Super Bike and Saloon Car Championships, attracting up to 30,000 spectators per event.
The work has also been welcomed by MP for Mid Ulster Francie Molloy and Councillor Kim Ashton, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council.
Both were at the site yesterday to cute the first sod along with Mr David Henderson.
Below is an aerial view of what the motorsport track should look like, once completed:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/spl20y1blgnzs0r/Lake%20Torrent%20Racetrack%20-%20aerial%20view.mp4?dl=0
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