03 Jul 2019
Silverstone Experience delayed after contractor enters administration
BY Tom Anstey
The Silverstone Experience – a new visitor attraction coming to the home of the British Formula One Grand Prix – has had its opening pushed back until at least September after its main contractor went into administration.
The new attraction was set to open its doors on 9 July, however, the Shaylor Group – a Walsall-based construction firm – entered administration on 17 June temporarily halting the development process.
"The Silverstone Experience project will still go ahead but this development will inevitably cause some delay to the public opening date, previously planned for 9 July and the preview weekend planned for 6 and 7 July," said the group in a statement to Attractions Management.
"We apologise for the inconvenience this causes our visitors. We will confirm a new opening date as soon as we can and we thank everyone for their continued support. Due to the complex logistical and legal challenges caused by Shaylor Group going into administration, it is unlikely that we will be able to open before 1 September."
When open, stories of human endeavour, great sporting rivalries and engineering innovation will be told using interactive displays and iconic imagery at the Silverstone Experience, which has been financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to the tune of £9.1m (US$12m, €10.7m).
At the end of the three-hour experience, visitors will watch a unique immersive show, ‘The ultimate lap of Silverstone’, with commentary from British racing legend Murray Walker.
Mather and Co has refurbished and re-clad the hangar for the project, while a second new building houses the archives of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).
Other features at the experience, located in Towcester, Northamptonshire, will include a specialist library and a learning space for school groups.
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