Construction of a new Hospitality and Clubhouse building on the inside of Allard Corner has now started and will be inaugurated in 2018 as part of Thruxton's 50th anniversary year.

Whilst the circuit remains one of the very few tracks in the UK that has been left untouched - to the delight of competitors and spectators - Thruxton as a venue has enjoyed a rejuvenation over the past four years, with that trend set to continue in 2017.

The new building is the latest vision of Thruxton Group Managing Director Bill Coombs, who - since taking over at the helm in 2012 - has been the driving force behind a modernisation programme that has yielded several significant changes.

With just 16 noisy days permitted annually due to the Thruxton's dual purpose as an active airfield, the necessity to cater to new manufacturers, driving experiences and spectators has been a focal point of Thruxton's plans in recent years.

These have included the launch of a low grip driving facility, extension of the outdoor karting circuit, re-tarmacking and extending of the paddock, introduction of big screens at the BTCC and BSB Race Meetings and enhanced access to the famous Campbell, Cobb and Segrave corners.

The new building is set to comprise of more than ten briefing and function rooms as well as a host of hospitality suites, restaurant and catering facilities, along with a balcony providing a bird's eye view of all the first corner action. As part of the development process, both the Goodwood Restaurant and Thruxton Suite will be demolished and in so doing open up the opportunity for further work to take place within the paddock and pitlane in the future.

Quote from Bill Coombs - Thruxton Group Managing Director

"Coupled with the consistent improvement in trackside attendances that we have seen over the past five years, Thruxton has enjoyed a period of rude health from a commercial and manufacturer perspective."

"This building development is the latest in the long-term plans that were devised for the venue when we took control, and we made sure we consulted all of our customer groups from competitors to corporate track hires and retailers. We have been working closely with Zac Chapman from Chapman Partnership on the design of the building to make sure that it is both modern and customer-friendly."

"All of our major clients have seen the plans, and we have catered certain aspects to their feedback. This will mirror the modern architecture of the wet grip area near the entrance and provides another fantastic dimension to the venue. It really will stand out as one of the iconic landmarks around the circuit in years to come."

"Not only that, but moving the location of the building slightly has given us fresh opportunities going forward. It will allow for a longer and wider pit-lane, which should help to attract bigger events in years to come. In due course, it will also allow for additional full-size garages to be built."

"I must point out, finally, that what we have done wouldn't be possible without our landlord Henry Pelham, because he has really bought into developing the venue. He's been prepared to help when funds were tight and has supported every decision that has been made - I couldn't thank him enough."

Quote from Zac Chapman - Architect, Chapman Partnership

"Motorsport and Architecture course through our veins. Chapman Partnership is thrilled to develop the design for Thruxton's new Hospitality Building. We are enthusiastic to help provide the iconic venue which has such a tremendous heritage, with a proposal that responds to the circuit's dynamic profile. The technology encompassed by the building will reflect the innovation that defines Motorsport. Sharing an Automotive passion for aesthetics the design aims to project the future vision of the BARC's enterprise at Thruxton."

This 3D rendered video shows the scale of the new building and how it will change the landscape of the circuit.

Construction is scheduled to begin this month (August 2017) with the aim for all work to be completed before the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race meeting in 2018 - one of the headline events to celebrate the circuit's 50th anniversary.