Steve Shelley finalises purchase of Wakefield Park circuit near Goulburn

Steve Shelley and his company, Pheasant Wood Park Pty Ltd finalised purchase of the Wakefield Park facility on Tuesday, June 6.

READ MORE:

Wakefield Park buyer outlines vision for Goulburn district motor racing circuit

Pheasant Wood owner promises different approach for Goulburn's Wakefield Park

Pheasant Wood circuit owner snaps up Wakefield Park, commits to re-opening

The company bought the Braidwood Road raceway from Benalla Auto Club for an undisclosed sum. It comes three months after an initial announcement.

"I'm really excited. I'm immensely proud that I can call something so treasured in motorsport and the Goulburn community, my own," Mr Shelley said.

"It's a privilege to own it and I don't take it lightly."

Mr Shelley and Benalla Auto Club (BAC) general manager, Steven Whyte, settled on the deal at Wakefield Park on Tuesday.

BAC has owned the complex since 2007 but suspended operations in September, 2022. It followed a NSW Land and Environment Court appeal which imposed noise and operating conditions the owners deemed unviable.

ALSO READ: 'Tanks for your effort': Heifer's plight sparks hefty response for 'moo-ving' rescue

Mr Shelley said the purchase marked a milestone in securing the raceway's future but also" fostering a collaborative and respectful relationship with neighbours."

"We understand the concerns expressed by residents and the council regarding noise levels, and we are committed to addressing these issues in close collaboration with all stakeholders," he said in a statement.

"Our aim is to find practical solutions that respect the needs and aspirations of the local community and motorsport fraternity while ensuring the continued operation of Wakefield Park Raceway."

On Tuesday, he was preparing to celebrate the purchase with a gathering of 30 neighbours, many of whom had previously complained about noise. Mr Shelley said he'd had many conversations with them since March.

"That's the most important inroad; building back relationships that have been broken for a few years," he said.

"We'll be focusing on bringing unity to landowners in the area and the motor racing fraternity."

Mr Shelley is also pressing ahead with a new development application he hopes to lodge in August, if not earlier.

ALSO READ: Man airlifted to hospital after single-vehicle crash on rural road

He told The Post that it was very comprehensive but if any elements "stonewalled" its passage, an interim DA might be possible.

Over the last few months, Mr Shelley and his team have commissioned the necessary work for the application, including 3D surveys. They have also cleaned up the site, pulled up car parks and refreshed surfaces around the garages.

"There's a lot of remediation work to do because it wasn't done properly in the past," he said.

The new owner also plans to keep people updated with progress, events and other announcements via a subscription newsletter.

ALSO READ: Goulburn Lilac City Festival searches for a Queen

Mr Shelley hoped to re-open the circuit on a limited scale later this year.

"Our vision extends beyond that, as we aspire to host substantive events in 2024, delivering exciting experiences for motorsport enthusiasts," he said in a statement.

"...As owners of both Pheasant Wood Circuit (at Marulan) and Wakefield Park Raceway, we will ensure that this iconic circuit remains a treasured destination for motorsport enthusiasts.

He thanked the Goulburn community for its "unwavering support" throughout the process and said this faith was instrumental in making the acquisition possible.

Do you have something to say about this issue? Send a letter to the editor. Click here for the Goulburn Post

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: