Escapade Silverstone
Discussion
This may well be the nail in the coffin for spectating at Silverstone
Have you see the plans for this monstrosity they are building near Maggots and Becketts, It is basically a sort of village for very rich people to rent out or share/stay in part time near the track bit like time share it seems and I think what they are basically going to do is remove all spectator access from the exit of Copse down to past this rich peoples paradise.
Take a look at Escapade Silverstone website and see if you can see any access, it all looks heavily restricted for them only
I hope this falls flat on its face for lots of reasons, motorsport should be for everyone, not just the rich, this is perhaps the only decent place to watch anything worthwhile from at this track (which let's face it is awful for speccies anyway really).
I will not link, but its not hard to find, be interested to hear form anyone who can find out what spectating will be like eventually, It doesnt look good.
Have you see the plans for this monstrosity they are building near Maggots and Becketts, It is basically a sort of village for very rich people to rent out or share/stay in part time near the track bit like time share it seems and I think what they are basically going to do is remove all spectator access from the exit of Copse down to past this rich peoples paradise.
Take a look at Escapade Silverstone website and see if you can see any access, it all looks heavily restricted for them only
I hope this falls flat on its face for lots of reasons, motorsport should be for everyone, not just the rich, this is perhaps the only decent place to watch anything worthwhile from at this track (which let's face it is awful for speccies anyway really).
I will not link, but its not hard to find, be interested to hear form anyone who can find out what spectating will be like eventually, It doesnt look good.
thegreenhell said:
Access for the plebs looks the same as it is now, I think, so you'll still be able to walk and spectate from behind the fence between Copse and Maggotts. You'll just be looked down upon by the privileged few.
If they replace the hardcore bank with terracing or a nice grass bank, it will be an improvement for us great unwashed if you ask me. It doesn’t take up all the spectator area from the exit of Copse. The embankment with the shale footwear on top is still there as is the perimeter road. These units which have been under construction since last autumn and are being built on the field behind the perimeter road. They also don’t block the sight line from the Becketts grandstand.
No additional grandstands are built on that space for the Grand Prix.
If people want to spend c£600k on one of these units why not let them. It doesn’t impact on the casual spectator.
Other than that, the previous posts have been accurate.
No additional grandstands are built on that space for the Grand Prix.
If people want to spend c£600k on one of these units why not let them. It doesn’t impact on the casual spectator.
Other than that, the previous posts have been accurate.
Why does it matter if it’s not finished in time for the Grand Prix? The perimeter road can still be opened and the existing spectator area on top of the embankment used. There’s restricted access at the moment because it’s a building site.
Eyesore for the 150,000 ? Last year there was nothing there but a temporary scaffold viewing platform put up by the contractors. It’s hardly an eyesore or did you fail to spot the incomplete hotel opposite The Wing?
Anyway, thought you had a hatred of Silverstone so why on earth were you even there?
Eyesore for the 150,000 ? Last year there was nothing there but a temporary scaffold viewing platform put up by the contractors. It’s hardly an eyesore or did you fail to spot the incomplete hotel opposite The Wing?
Anyway, thought you had a hatred of Silverstone so why on earth were you even there?
I was there on Sunday and frankly it doesn't look good for spectators, a shame really...I can't imagine they're going to let plebs like me spectate at Maggots anymore, I really hope I'm proved wrong because it's one of the most exciting spots of the whole venue - being that close to race cars barrelling in and then watching them squirm under braking is one of the great spectacles of Silverstone circuit.
The other problem is, I don't think I've ever seen Becketts grandstand open for anything other than F1 - I did wander around the front of it and on to the site, naughty I know, and I work in construction too (there was zero work going on)...and I have to say that the viewing was as fantastic as ever - I did kind of get escorted off after 15-20 minutes though
...personally I don't like grandstands, what I really like is, if possible, to walk the whole of the circuit wherever that may be and still see the on-track action...
The cynic in me thinks the apartments will just be used as a bijoux pad by gazzillionaires to impress their 'friends' in industry with 'hospitality' in order to make even more wedge.
One of the Silverstone staff I was talking to reckons they'll be a million a pop.
Plus ça change...
The other problem is, I don't think I've ever seen Becketts grandstand open for anything other than F1 - I did wander around the front of it and on to the site, naughty I know, and I work in construction too (there was zero work going on)...and I have to say that the viewing was as fantastic as ever - I did kind of get escorted off after 15-20 minutes though
...personally I don't like grandstands, what I really like is, if possible, to walk the whole of the circuit wherever that may be and still see the on-track action...The cynic in me thinks the apartments will just be used as a bijoux pad by gazzillionaires to impress their 'friends' in industry with 'hospitality' in order to make even more wedge.
One of the Silverstone staff I was talking to reckons they'll be a million a pop.
Plus ça change...
reef67 said:
I was there on Sunday and frankly it doesn't look good for spectators, a shame really...I can't imagine they're going to let plebs like me spectate at Maggots anymore, I really hope I'm proved wrong because it's one of the most exciting spots of the whole venue - being that close to race cars barrelling in and then watching them squirm under braking is one of the great spectacles of Silverstone circuit.
The other problem is, I don't think I've ever seen Becketts grandstand open for anything other than F1 - I did wander around the front of it and on to the site, naughty I know, and I work in construction too (there was zero work going on)...and I have to say that the viewing was as fantastic as ever - I did kind of get escorted off after 15-20 minutes though...personally I don't like grandstands, what I really like is, if possible, to walk the whole of the circuit wherever that may be and still see the on-track action...
The cynic in me thinks the apartments will just be used as a bijoux pad by gazzillionaires to impress their 'friends' in industry with 'hospitality' in order to make even more wedge.
One of the Silverstone staff I was talking to reckons they'll be a million a pop.
Plus ça change...
It’s a wierd but understandable business model they’ve put together, something between a timeshare/debenture and an hotel/Airbnb. You ‘buy’ the lease on the place, but are only allowed to go there for a certain number of days per year. The rest of the time, the management rent them out on your behalf and split the revenue with you. Selling the units in this way, both funds the development and generates working capital for the circuit - to the tune of around one F1 hosting fee. The other problem is, I don't think I've ever seen Becketts grandstand open for anything other than F1 - I did wander around the front of it and on to the site, naughty I know, and I work in construction too (there was zero work going on)...and I have to say that the viewing was as fantastic as ever - I did kind of get escorted off after 15-20 minutes though
...personally I don't like grandstands, what I really like is, if possible, to walk the whole of the circuit wherever that may be and still see the on-track action...The cynic in me thinks the apartments will just be used as a bijoux pad by gazzillionaires to impress their 'friends' in industry with 'hospitality' in order to make even more wedge.
One of the Silverstone staff I was talking to reckons they'll be a million a pop.
Plus ça change...
Yes, they’re a million or so, but if you’re used to paying Paddock Club prices that’s not as outrageous as it seems, over a decade or so.
The reasoning behind it, is they are trying to appeal much more to corporate hire of the circuit, hence the Wing and the new hotel. The money men also need to see increasing off-season revenues, and this adds to that opportunity.
I see, I guess they've got to come up with some innovative ways to keep the revenue coming in...If it helps to keep the creaky old place open, then great...it certainly is in dire need of some maintenance. No idea why they can't lay a decent access road around the circuit, let alone the road from the dual carriageway. A bit embarrassing for the 'Home of British Motorsport'.
I just don't know if those of us who support club racing will eventually get squeezed out by the corporate dollar - already tickets have increased over 50% more than pre-covid prices...and you don't get to stand at Maggots!
Hopefully there's room for both those with a flask of coffee and a sandwich as well as those with a glass of bubbles and a canapé.
I'm sure it's all in good hands.
Probably.
I just don't know if those of us who support club racing will eventually get squeezed out by the corporate dollar - already tickets have increased over 50% more than pre-covid prices...and you don't get to stand at Maggots!
Hopefully there's room for both those with a flask of coffee and a sandwich as well as those with a glass of bubbles and a canapé.
I'm sure it's all in good hands.
Probably.
LukeBrown66 said:
On my last visit last week there was no access, the area after Copse was fenced off, and the groundwork has not even been finished yet so I doubt this will be done before the GP, and this will take up a lot of space, and look an eyesore for the 150 thousand!
This is correct. The building site goes up to the track perimeter fencing, so there will be no spectating from the end of the Copse grandstands/terracing until Maggotts whilst the building work is ongoing and that is going into 2023.The land hasn't been Silverstone's for years, because like a lot of the place, land has been sold off/leased off to 3rd parties to keep the place afloat. It's only recently that building work as started.
And the comment about the bridge, play fair. The hotel has been in build for a long time now, and seriously delayed by Covid, and still isn't finished, but it is getting closer, so during winter, when there was less track activity, the bridge was installed. It has been on site for a long time anyway, also delayed by Covid. You can't seriously suggest that there should not be a bridge between the hotel and The Wing. Yas Marina has the hotel and the connecting bridge, and it would be pretty poor if there was no bridge and you had to walk all the way round to get from one to the other. Do you know how far that is?
I'm going to watch Brit GT tomorrow, and it is frustrating not being able to see the GT3s into the complex, but I guess that is how it is, it would be much worse for people with general admission for the GP who have paid a small fortune and always stand there only to find they can't, bit silly, but maybe they might make access available for the F1 weekend?
I have emailed the circuit to ask about this, with no reply obviously. And fair play to Brands when I asked about the windy road from Stirlings, they sent a full reply with explanation.
I have emailed the circuit to ask about this, with no reply obviously. And fair play to Brands when I asked about the windy road from Stirlings, they sent a full reply with explanation.
As you have no intention of going to the GP and have a clearly displayed hatred of Silverstone why on earth are you bothering to e mail the circuit? It’s of zero relevance to you if that part of the spectator area is open or not that weekend.
As it happens I understand that the plan is for it to be reopened for the GP weekend.
I also note that for the second time in a number of weeks you’re attending an event at the circuit. That must really irk you having to give the greedy bu99ers some of your hard earned.
As it happens I understand that the plan is for it to be reopened for the GP weekend.
I also note that for the second time in a number of weeks you’re attending an event at the circuit. That must really irk you having to give the greedy bu99ers some of your hard earned.
It does irk me to give money to them, want to know what is even more hilarious our boss has bought a factory there and I shall be working there very soon, pain in the arse that will be.
I go to see the cars, that is all that interests me, while I am there I take a look around and see a lot of money being spent on certain things and not on others, that is interesting and forms an opinion.
I love the Uni, think that is a fabulous idea, but the hotel and this Escapade thing, is ONLY for the rich, this is not Monaco, or Abu Dhabi, its an airfield in the middle of Northamptonshire, it is nothing special and it's about time the people that run it accept it for what it is, and stop trying to polish a wossit.
I don't blame them in a way, people pay silly money to watch all sorts of stuff there, I only ever go on the cheap days as all I want to see is the cars, I never pay for race days as I can watch for free online the majority of the time, it seems pointless to me to ever pay disproportionate sums to see it live, but that's me. Plenty of people see value in it, and fair play Silverstone for milking it to the core.
Oh, and you might want to get out more, stalking my posts and telling me what I have been doing is a bit weird, if you like me that much praps send me message!
I go to see the cars, that is all that interests me, while I am there I take a look around and see a lot of money being spent on certain things and not on others, that is interesting and forms an opinion.
I love the Uni, think that is a fabulous idea, but the hotel and this Escapade thing, is ONLY for the rich, this is not Monaco, or Abu Dhabi, its an airfield in the middle of Northamptonshire, it is nothing special and it's about time the people that run it accept it for what it is, and stop trying to polish a wossit.
I don't blame them in a way, people pay silly money to watch all sorts of stuff there, I only ever go on the cheap days as all I want to see is the cars, I never pay for race days as I can watch for free online the majority of the time, it seems pointless to me to ever pay disproportionate sums to see it live, but that's me. Plenty of people see value in it, and fair play Silverstone for milking it to the core.
Oh, and you might want to get out more, stalking my posts and telling me what I have been doing is a bit weird, if you like me that much praps send me message!
The cost of hosting the F1 in particular, has increased dramatically in recent years and will continue to do so.
It’s fine to say that that’s a bad thing, but it’s the cost of entry, so either they find ways to get big money from spectators or ask the government for support.
The government aren’t going to help out (unlike governments in some of the other countries F1 travels to), so it’s either invest in premium facilities or don’t host the race.
It’s fine to say that that’s a bad thing, but it’s the cost of entry, so either they find ways to get big money from spectators or ask the government for support.
The government aren’t going to help out (unlike governments in some of the other countries F1 travels to), so it’s either invest in premium facilities or don’t host the race.
I get out plenty thanks.
I don’t have to stalk your posts. You post with irritating regularity on anything related to Silverstone and always with a negative view and yet you’re quite happy to pay to visit the place.
What you seem to forget is that Silverstone is a commercial enterprise and has to earn a crust outside of the Grand Prix weekend. There is activity there everyday of the week so the circuit is trying to make the most of that footfall.
The hotel makes sound business sense. They have a thriving conference and events business and currently the nearest large hotels are in MK. There are also plenty of wealthier visitors to the big events at the circuit who will pay to stay at the new Hilton being built there.
The Escapade development isn’t to everyone’s taste but again is something different and will appeal to some of those that can afford it. I think we’ve also now proved that it isn’t the final nail in the coffin for spectators at the circuit as it’s built on private land behind the existing spectator area.
Don’t get me wrong, the circuit have a propensity to make huge c0ck ups and much of what they do is only ever 90% there but at least they’ve realised that they need to do more with the space they have in order to support the on track activities. How irritating for you though to have to work in a building that is putting more money into their coffers.
Enjoy your trip to the British GT round this weekend. I’ll be sure to read your latest list of gripes afterwards.
I don’t have to stalk your posts. You post with irritating regularity on anything related to Silverstone and always with a negative view and yet you’re quite happy to pay to visit the place.
What you seem to forget is that Silverstone is a commercial enterprise and has to earn a crust outside of the Grand Prix weekend. There is activity there everyday of the week so the circuit is trying to make the most of that footfall.
The hotel makes sound business sense. They have a thriving conference and events business and currently the nearest large hotels are in MK. There are also plenty of wealthier visitors to the big events at the circuit who will pay to stay at the new Hilton being built there.
The Escapade development isn’t to everyone’s taste but again is something different and will appeal to some of those that can afford it. I think we’ve also now proved that it isn’t the final nail in the coffin for spectators at the circuit as it’s built on private land behind the existing spectator area.
Don’t get me wrong, the circuit have a propensity to make huge c0ck ups and much of what they do is only ever 90% there but at least they’ve realised that they need to do more with the space they have in order to support the on track activities. How irritating for you though to have to work in a building that is putting more money into their coffers.
Enjoy your trip to the British GT round this weekend. I’ll be sure to read your latest list of gripes afterwards.
Ok let's add a few things.
Access now denied from Copse to Maggots on the INSIDE aswell as outside, there were some bricks I saw laying on the ground, so no doubt that was the reason!
Bunch of new stands put up in various places, no doubt to cash in on GP tickets. Not sure if perm or not.
Porsche bit seems to now extend the whole length of Hangar Straight, not been down there for years but it is a huge complex now, so much money been spent there, odd with a dealer in Towcester as there are service centres there too. Saw at least 3 LMP1 mockups, some of them looking pretty sorry, shame, Aston seem to have a presence too, loads of battered looking test cars near Stow interior track.
Hotel is not done, and the bridge is only for customers I think as it is inside the hotel, doubt it will be usable for punters, obviously.
Will be the last time I go there this year I imagine, after Brands last week it is so unfriendly, so many gates, fences, places you cant stand, walk, it really is not a friendly place, such a shame
Access now denied from Copse to Maggots on the INSIDE aswell as outside, there were some bricks I saw laying on the ground, so no doubt that was the reason!
Bunch of new stands put up in various places, no doubt to cash in on GP tickets. Not sure if perm or not.
Porsche bit seems to now extend the whole length of Hangar Straight, not been down there for years but it is a huge complex now, so much money been spent there, odd with a dealer in Towcester as there are service centres there too. Saw at least 3 LMP1 mockups, some of them looking pretty sorry, shame, Aston seem to have a presence too, loads of battered looking test cars near Stow interior track.
Hotel is not done, and the bridge is only for customers I think as it is inside the hotel, doubt it will be usable for punters, obviously.
Will be the last time I go there this year I imagine, after Brands last week it is so unfriendly, so many gates, fences, places you cant stand, walk, it really is not a friendly place, such a shame
Don’t let the gate hit you on the Rs on the way out!
The Porsche Experience Centre was extended several years ago towards Stowe. That’s nothing new. Again it was built on land outside of the circuit and in no way impedes on any of the spectator areas. The extended bit of the PEC is fabulous as it allows you to do standing starts and hands off emergency stops. It’s great fun. Maybe you should try it some day.
What does it matter that there is also a Porsche dealership just up the road? Ever tried ragging a 911 around the car park of the Towcester dealership? Not quite the same as a session at the PEC.
Yet again your comments prove that you really do have an irrational chip on your shoulder regarding all things Silverstone.
You suggest I should get out more. I suggest you give up visiting places that cause you so much angst. That’s probably not a rally stage thoughts you’ve proved from the WRC thread that you really can’t cope or even understand how to visit a special stage.( or even an SV event - which you had to have explained to you)
Im not stalking you but while you continue to spout complete bo77ox I’ll continue to call you out.
The Porsche Experience Centre was extended several years ago towards Stowe. That’s nothing new. Again it was built on land outside of the circuit and in no way impedes on any of the spectator areas. The extended bit of the PEC is fabulous as it allows you to do standing starts and hands off emergency stops. It’s great fun. Maybe you should try it some day.
What does it matter that there is also a Porsche dealership just up the road? Ever tried ragging a 911 around the car park of the Towcester dealership? Not quite the same as a session at the PEC.
Yet again your comments prove that you really do have an irrational chip on your shoulder regarding all things Silverstone.
You suggest I should get out more. I suggest you give up visiting places that cause you so much angst. That’s probably not a rally stage thoughts you’ve proved from the WRC thread that you really can’t cope or even understand how to visit a special stage.( or even an SV event - which you had to have explained to you)
Im not stalking you but while you continue to spout complete bo77ox I’ll continue to call you out.
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