Williams Racing has taken a significant step forward in expanding its operations at its Grove site, presenting plans known as Project Carrum to the Vale of White Horse District Council earlier this year.
This exciting development entails constructing a new factory, advanced technology and testing facilities, additional office space, and improved staff amenities. The plan also includes a combined surface and decked parking expansion to accommodate increased car parking needs.
The district council has approved the team’s scoping opinion, setting the stage for Williams Racing to proceed with a comprehensive planning application.
In the planning documents, Williams Racing expressed its intent to upgrade its manufacturing and operational capabilities at its Grove headquarters. This includes offices, R&D facilities, manufacturing areas, and a prominent wind tunnel. The campus also boasts experience and heritage centers, with provisions for surface parking that currently serves approximately 800 cars, supplemented by landscaped lawns and a helipad.
The proposed phased modernization will enhance the existing Williams Racing Grove Campus operations. This expansion includes larger manufacturing and testing facilities, new offices, and improved staff facilities. Additionally, the development will provide about 250 additional parking spaces, contributing to the creation of approximately 300 new jobs.
Adrian Duffield, head of planning at Vale of White Horse District Council, emphasized that while the development is significant, its impacts are expected to be local. The planning process will address various considerations, including traffic, biodiversity, landscape, heritage, noise, and socio-economic factors.
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ltd has a storied history, founded in 1977 by Frank Williams and engineer Patrick Head. Initially operating out of a former carpet warehouse in Didcot, the team soon moved to its current, continuously developing site at Grove in 1995.
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