PLANS to create a world-leading sports, leisure and entertainment complex at the site of the proposed Circuit of Wales have been announced, with hopes of creating thousands more jobs in the process.

The Ebbw Vale circuit is yet to be fully approved, but the company behind the racetrack says it will develop the site in conjunction with the EXTREME Sports Company.

The £425 million scheme has twice been turned down by the Welsh Government, but a revised bid is said to be close to being submitted.

EXTREME’s offering include indoor skiing, a surf park, as well as live music stages and two new hotels, alongside a campsite. 

The proposals also include a variety of food and drinks offerings, alongside retail outlets and themed accommodation.

Martin Whitaker, the Circuit of Wales’ chief executive officer, said: “Our partnership with EXTREME underlines the unique range of activities, facilities and services the Circuit’s enterprise cluster will offer Wales and the UK. 

“The Circuit aims to provide much more than a racing facility; it will be a 365-day leisure and business destination. 

“The support we have received to date from the racing, automotive and investment communities emphasises the Circuit’s long-term role in boosting tourism, creating jobs and diversifying the local economy."

The combined proposals are said to be the largest privately-funded infrastructure project in Wales, and the most significant capital investment program in automotive, motorsport and extreme sport infrastructure in the UK within the last 50 years.

If completed, it will attract 750,000 visitors a year say estimates, and inject a projected £50 million into the Welsh economy per annum. 

The circuit also hopes to tap into the £4 billion UK entertainment and leisure sector, delivering significant revenues and attracting visitors from beyond the traditional motorsport world.

Alistair Gosling, the chairman and chief executive of EXTREME, said: “With the growth and interest we are seeing in our sector, it is fantastic to announce this world leading EXTREME Destination, combining a never before seen collection of sports, entertainment and leisure experiences.” 

As part of the long-term strategic plan of the partnership, both Circuit of Wales and EXTREME say they will contribute to the economic diversification of the region and support the South Wales Valleys Region Task Force target of creating 10,000 jobs in the Blaenau Gwent area.