Snetterton race circuit in Norfolk has reached a major milestone following the ceremonial groundbreaking of the first unit at the upcoming Snetterton Innovation Park.

Snetterton Innovation Park received planning consent in May 2025, including full permission for Ansible Motion’s 2950m² simulation centre and outline permission for a further 27,500m² of development. Work is now formally underway on the new headquarters for Ansible Motion, which will act as the Innovation Park’s first headline tenant from its facility’s scheduled opening in October 2026. 

Specialists in high fidelity driving simulators for the automotive and motorsport markets, Ansible Motion is moving from nearby Hethel to become the first business in residence. The all-new building is more than double the size of the organisation’s previous home and will act as a flagship, two-storey bespoke HQ to accommodate Ansible Motion’s continuing growth.

The ceremonial launch was hosted by Norwich based Pentaco Contruction Ltd, who have been appointed by MSV to manage the build as principal contractor. Pentaco’s Managing Director, Andrew Grady, was joined by his counterpart at Ansible Motion, Dan Clark, and MotorSport Vision (MSV) Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer, to plant the first spades into the ground. The event was also attended by further members of the Ansible Motion management team as well as senior representatives from Breckland District Council, including Chief Executive, Maxine O’Mahoney.

The design of the Ansible Motion building has been masterminded by architects Feilden+Mawson Group Ltd. In addition to Pentaco Construction, the project is also being supported by Rossi Long Consulting and QODA Consulting for a range of design and engineering services. Bidwells’ Norfolk office managed the planning application process on behalf of MSV, who are further supported throughout the project by REAL consulting.

This event sets in motion a bright future for the famous Norfolk race circuit, with the Snetterton Innovation Park supplementing the already flourishing Snetterton Business Park, just next door. An ambitious masterplan is in place for an efficient and functional centre for business, designed from the ground up. The Snetterton Innovation Park will be landscaped, creating a green setting for growing businesses.

The development will also be zoned, creating lively hubs and areas of focus for complementary businesses. In addition to Ansible Motion’s facility, the planning consent includes provision for a 125 bedroom hotel and café restaurant, an Innovation Centre providing office and research and development space for start-up businesses, and flexible commercial units suitable for numerous uses. Adjacent to the race circuit will be eight further units intended for racing teams and motorsport-related tenants.

MotorSport Vision (MSV) Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer, said: “This marks a very exciting first step in a major development and expansion of Snetterton.

“We are hugely ambitious about the Snetterton Innovation Park, and intend for this to be an exceptionally attractive proposition for innovative, forward-thinking businesses. Ansible Motion fits the bill perfectly, and we’re delighted that it will be the first headline tenant.

“Snetterton is already one of the UK’s busiest race circuits, but this development will transform it into a thriving hub for race teams, motorsport businesses and advanced engineering firms. The circuit has a very exciting future, and the Snetterton Innovation Park will offer a powerful boost to the local economy.”

The Snetterton Innovation Park is located next to the Snetterton race circuit, close to Thetford in Norfolk. The site is immediately accessible from the A11. For enquiries, please contact [email protected].

Headline image: This marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the Norfolk race circuit, with the creation of the Snetterton Innovation Park. Visualisations produced by Feilden+Mawson Group Ltd

Ansible Motion will be the first headline tenant with a facility scheduled for completion in October 2026. Visualisations produced by Feilden+Mawson Group Ltd

Aerial image displaying the scale of the operation as work on the Ansible Motion HQ begins 

Pentaco Managing Director, Andrew Grady, Ansible Motion Managing Director, Dan Clark, and MotorSport Vision (MSV) Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer, at the groundbreaking ceremony