THE PADDOCK

The Paddock at Buckmore Park is a proposed new 20,000 sq ft development at the UK's favourite karting circuit.

With a design inspired by the pitlane of the golden era of motorsport, The Paddock would feature a state-of-the-art simulator room, restaurant, sports bar and roof top terrace overlooking the circuit.

With planning permission due to be submitted in December 2024 we are excited to share our plans and seek feedback on the proposed scheme.

INSPIRED BY THE PAST
DRiven by the future

The building looks to the past to inform its contemporary design, taking inspiration from the famous pit lane buildings of 1950's. The Paddock would be home to:

120 seat motorsport themed restaurant

18 state of the art motion simulators

100 seat briefing & conference room

1000 sq ft roof terrace

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fueling the champions of tomorrow

Buckmore Park has been the breeding ground for World Champions from karting to Formula 1.

The Paddock would become the new home of the Buckmore Driver Development Programme which elevates the most talented drivers each year to the next level in their motorsport journey.

Adult karting at Buckmore Park

SIMULATORS

The Paddock simulator room will have 18 full motion simulators for both professional and amateur drivers. Virtual race events will also be held.

WATCH PARTIES

We aim to create the best place to watch motorsport events (other than actually being at a race track in person). From Formula 1 to Le Mans, we'll be showing it live.

Group events at Buckmore

RACE MEETINGS

The Paddock will become the highest standard hospitality venue at any kart circuit in the UK elevating the experience for our owner driver and visiting championship community.

Location

Buckmore Park is located in Chatham (Kent), close to the M2 at the top of Blue Bell Hill.

The Paddock will be built on the currently redundant 'Mini Circuit' on the north side of the site.

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FAQ

What would be in The Paddock?
The Paddock would be home to The Paddock Restaurant & Bar, an 18 seat state-of-the-art simulator room, a briefing and conference room and a 1000 sq ft roof terrace with the best views of the lower end of the circuit and paddock.

When would The Paddock be built and open?
Should planning permission be granted, our aim will be to break ground in 2026 and fully open the facility in 2027.

Will Owner Driver race meetings use The Paddock?
Yes. A large part of our motivation for building The Paddock is to improve the facilities for our owner driver and visiting series drivers. Our current catering set up is not to the size or standard that is expected and currently all briefings are conducted outside. The new building allows a much more purposeful set up to conduct race meetings from.

Will there be improvements to the car park/paddock area?
Yes. We will be resurfacing and landscaping areas in the car park as part of the works. We will also be installing tie downs.

What will happen to the existing clubhouse?
The existing clubhouse will remain where we primarily operate from for day-to-day karting events. In recent years we have upgraded the cafe and common areas and will continue to update this building with new changing and toilet facilities in 2026.

Will The Paddock be available for private hire?
Yes we will have days that will enable event spaces to be hired.


Who has designed The Paddock?
We have worked with renowned architects, MortonScarr, on the development of the plans to date.

Will there be new employment opportunities?
Yes we expect up to 30 new jobs will be created if plans are approved.

How long will the consultation last?
The consultation is open from 7th November to 5th December 2024.

How can I give my views on the scheme?
Please give any feedback on the scheme by emailing paddock@buckmore.co.uk or filling out this form. We will also be hosting a webinar on the scheme on 20th November 2024. Please email paddock@buckmore.co.uk if you would like to register for this event.

What will be the impact on the surrounding Ancient Woodland?
The Paddock has been designed to be built over 20m away from the ancient woodland to ensure there is minimal impact on this.

How will a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain required by the government be achieved?
With the landscaping improvements and green roof we are installing we are targeting a 20% net gain which far exceeds the minimum required under the BNG regulations.

buckmore park karting circuit