Drama a plenty at Mount Panorama

MEDIA RELEASE – The magic of Mount Panorama proved its true power this weekend when even the dark clouds and the bitter wind could not keep fans away from Australia’s premier motor sport event, the Super Cheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst.
Crowds of 166,840 attended the four days of racing with 48 679 fans coming through the gates for today’s big event.

While there was plenty of drama on the track, Bathurst’s newly completed $24 Million Pit Complex set the scene for one of the biggest Bathurst 1000 events ever.

Bathurst Mayor Cr Norm Mann said the now completed works of the Mount Panorama Redevelopment were put to the test and passed with flying colours.

“Today is significant not only because of the action taking place on the track, but because Bathurst has the opportunity to showcase our impressive new look circuit to the world – in all its glory.

“The standard of the new complex and upgrades made right around the circuit have had a significant impact on the crowds at this years event with very few and only minor incidents with spectators that once characterised the event.

“We have created a world class facility worthy of the very high standard event that has been run by AVESCO Events this week.

“While the major facelift at Mount Panorama is now complete, we will continue to maintain the facility to this high standard and can now move forward on pursuing new initiatives with all levels of Government and the corporate sector to continue to build on this significant investment in the local economy,” Cr Mann said.

Cr Mann said the State and Federal Government who each contributed $10 Million towards the project, Council engineering staff, project managers Kellog Brown and Root and architects Allan Jack+Cottier should all feel proud of a job well done.

“The staging of such a successful Super Cheap 1000 this year is proof that when you build a world class facility you can run a world class event.

“The icon of Australian motor racing truly lived up to its reputation today and with reception to over 853 million households in 130 countries watching us this weekend, Mount Panorama has proven it really is magic.”

Project background

The main features of the Stage 2 works include;

* A new 6 x33 metre two way pedestrian bridge over Pit Straight allowing four times the traffic through than the old bridge
* New medical centre and race timing rooms which will be the reception building for the new complex
* New level 2 corporate suits doubling the available corporate space in the complex
* Two new access roads into the Pit Paddock
* Extension of Pit Paddock and improved drainage
* Powered buildings in paddock for use by the NRMA Smash Repair team at the race
* Additional amenities block on core 4 for Pit Paddock ticket holders
* Upgraded pit garages including additional amenities and water connection
* New spectator mound inside the track on Caltex Chase
* Upgrades to the Support Paddock
* Additional weather covers for officials around the circuit
* Landscaping, weather sheds and new playground at McPhillamy Park
* Upgrades to lap scorer on Pit Bridge

Project background

* Redevelopment total budget of $24 million- $10 million from Sate Government, $10 Million Commonwealth Government and $4 million Council funds.
* State Government $10 Million announced November 2002
* Federal Government $10 Million announced May 2004
* Stage 1 Construction began in December 2003
* Stage 2 Construction began in May 2005
* Pit Complex design by Allen Jack+Cottier
* Stage 1 Project managed by Kellog Brown and Root (KBR) and who also completed the Mount Panorama Regional Tourism and Recreation Strategy in 2003
* Construction by Arenco.

Main features completed in Stage 1

* New pit complex approx with 36 bays four times size of old pit bays. Features three phase power, communications, secured back and front, new amenities
* Second level corporate suites with sloped windows, outside viewing areas.
* Third level rooftop additional corporate viewing/hospitality.
* Unique 4 storey race control and admin tower 20 m high
* 400 new campsites created in Pit Paddock
* Upgraded paddock area to provide transporter access directly to the rear of the pits
* New spectator mounds in The Chase, Hell Corner, McPhillamy Park Sulman & Reid Parks and Pit Straight to provide better viewing of the race action.
* Wider pit lane by 3m

Future development plans include:

* Continuing upgrades to the top of the mount to provide year round tourist facilities and new amenities for race goers
* Commencement of preliminary stages of drawcard tourist attraction development on top of mount (will enable involvement by private sector)
* Commencement of preliminary stages of Harris Park and grandstand, function room redevelopment, (will enable involvement by private sector)