Go-karting centre plans big revamp (From York Press)

F1 Racing Kart at Monks Cross, near York, plans big revamp

9:29am Saturday 1st October 2011 in News By Mark Stead, mark.stead@thepress.co.uk

A GO-KART racing centre in York could be in line for a £500,000 revamp.

Plans have been drawn up to improve the indoor race track at F1 Racing Kart at Monks Cross, which stands next to the proposed site for the city’s new community stadium, and create a new track for younger racing fans.

The scheme at the JMD Raceway, in Kathryn Avenue, would also include five 3G indoor football pitches for five-a-side and seven-a-side matches, two similar pitches for juniors, new changing facilities and a new bar and café.

Phil Hannington, F1 Racing’s general manager, said a full planning application for the project would be submitted to City of York Council shortly. The upgrade would be run through a holding company called York Stadium Limited, which is a separate entity to Oakgate (Monks Cross) Ltd’s community stadium and shopping development proposals.

“We have been at the JMD Raceway since 1997 and significant changes have happened at Monks Cross during that time,” said Mr Hannington.

“Being a long-established York business, we believe we have contributed to the city’s attractiveness and now plan to improve what we can offer to the local community and visitors. The installation of a number of high-quality indoor football pitches will offer a new and exciting facility to York, enabling their use during even the worst weather.

“They will also include junior pitches for use by youngsters to help meet the ever-growing demand for high-quality, safe facilities. At the same time, we will be able to expand and improve the current race track and introduce a permanent junior track. We are looking to offer a truly unique experience, and by using the latest technology for our 3G surfaces, our pitches will also be suitable for rugby.”

The footballing facilities at F1 Racing would include a players’ tunnel leading from the changing rooms, sound and lighting effects and large screens showing statistics, replays and live matches.

As well as a 6,000-seater stadium to house York City FC and York City Knights, Oakgate’s plans for Monks Cross also involve building a retail park including a huge Marks & Spencer store.

Negotiations are also taking place with another big-name retailer, believed to be John Lewis.