Plans for £850,000 e-bike track centre revealed
Plans have been revealed to construct an e-bike motocross track and experience centre in Powys as part of an £850,000 investment.
The planned centre near Llandrindod Wells 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 quieter.
Building designers and planning consultants Hughes Architects are to undertake a 28-day pre-planning consultation for the centre, to be based at an existing motocross site at Rhyd-blawd Farm.
A full planning application will be made 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 battery-powered 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."
The plans and project information will be available at a portal on the Hughes Architects website where views can be submitted as part of the consultation.
The 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 planned.
"We are looking forward to putting Mid Wales firmly on the clean-tech automotive map, using 21st-century technology that is bringing a well-loved sport into the environmentally conscious world," added Mr Wilding.
