The Northamptonshire-based Formula One venue Silverstone has indicated that a proposed new theme park development would represent a highly significant advancement as planning proposals move closer to realisation.

The racing circuit, situated marginally beyond the Oxfordshire boundary in the neighbouring county, has endorsed the plans for a Puy du Fou historical theme park in the vicinity of Bicester.

Silverstone’s chief executive Stuart Pringle stated that Bicester’s expansion in recent years has exerted an extraordinarily beneficial influence on both the immediate and wider regional economy.

In correspondence addressed to Cherwell District Council, he noted that the venue, recognised as the home of British motor racing, had contributed to this narrative in a supporting capacity, despite being positioned just across the county boundary.

Pringle indicated that Puy du Fou’s arrival would bring another internationally renowned, award-winning long-term investor to the area, representing an additional highly significant progression in the necessary local, regional and national development strategy.

He highlighted that Oxfordshire possesses numerous distinguished attractions of world renown, including Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village, the Cotswolds and the nearby Silverstone circuit, among others.

The acquisition of attention from another substantial international success story constitutes an important development for the Cherwell district, he noted.

According to Pringle, the ancillary advantages accruing to the project from Silverstone’s perspective would prove considerably substantial, a view supported by data furnished by the theme park developers.

He expressed the belief that the development would serve as a positive catalyst by generating varied employment opportunities.

Furthermore, it would constitute a vibrant and theatrical complement to the area’s cultural landscape.

Pringle expressed particular enthusiasm for the proposal to establish a first-class conference facility adjacent to one of the proposed hotels, suggesting that companies operating in conjunction with Silverstone would view such an amenity with considerable interest.

The organisation accordingly offered robust endorsement for the planning submission and urged Cherwell District Council to adopt a similarly supportive stance.

As previously reported, Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, has similarly declared support for the 600 million pound initiative.

Hare characterised the proposal as a significant strategic opportunity for Oxfordshire and particularly for the Cherwell district.

Puy du Fou, an established historical theme park operator with existing venues in France and Spain, is proposing to construct its inaugural United Kingdom attraction on land situated north of Bucknell, adjacent to junction 10 of the M40 motorway.

Silverstone, which stages its own festival coinciding with the Formula One Grand Prix each July, welcomed a record attendance of 500,000 visitors during the 2025 British Grand Prix weekend, rendering it among the most well-attended events on the Formula One calendar.

Puy du Fou representatives have stated that the development would generate approximately 2,000 direct positions, with an additional projected 6,000 roles arising from associated hotels, dining establishments, supply chains and other local enterprises.

Project developers anticipate that the venue could contribute an annual boost of 500 million pounds to the local and regional economy.