Alun Griffiths, one of the main contractors for the Circuit of Wales PPP project, has been replaced by civil engineering firm Roadbridge. Spanish construction company FCC is the project’s main contractor.

This announcement comes just weeks ahead of the beginning of works on the project. According to sources Alun Griffiths has taken this decision due to the current load of work on pre-existing contracts. The firm will continue as a member of the team and it will help with local employment and supply chain.

The Circuit of Wales will be located north of Ebbw Vale close to the Rassau Industrial Estate. The development will span 336 hectares and represent the most significant capital investment program in automotive and motor sports infrastructure in the UK in the last 50 years.

The main race track is 3.5 miles in length and there will be additional smaller circuits for karting, motocross and 4x4, hotels, retail space and a technology park, among others.The circuit is being designed to FIA and FIM high standard levels. 

Aviva Investors agreed last month to provide most of the funding for the £315 million (US$448 million) project. 

Heads of the Valleys Development Company Limited (HOTVDC), the company that designs, builds, finances, and operates the circuit, is in discussions with the Welsh Government regarding a £30 million repayable loan for the project.

The number of visitors in the region derived from the construction of the project is projected to be around 750,000 according to Government predictions. The goal is to have the entire circuit development completed in 2020.