A famous race track where Formula 1 legends Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris were scouted could be set for a huge investment.

Bosses at Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, on the outskirts of Chatham, have revealed plans for a large motorsport events centre today (November 7).

If approved, the new 20,000 sq ft building, to be called the Paddock, will feature a 120-seat restaurant and sports bar, as well as a room dedicated to 18 top-of-the-line motion simulators.

Also in the works are a 1,000 sq ft viewing terrace, which would overlook the popular circuit.

The scheme will create 30 new jobs which will add to the 50-strong workforce already on site.

It will be built on an unused part of the site which had been for junior drivers and work will not affect the current operations.

The plans mark a dramatic change in the parks’ fortunes after the track struggled financially during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Co-owner of the circuit, Leonora Martell-Surtees, told KentOnline the hospitality section will help the commercial side of the business meet growing demand.

This follows an explosion of interest in motorsports thanks to the hit Netflix series ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ which the 35-year-old says has brought the sport back into people’s homes.

She added: “This is going to be a large motorsport venue catering for really large events as well as our existing motorsport events that we are currently reaching capacity for.

“It will very much be a venue not just for racers but for motorsport fans.

“It's quite a low-cost activity to come down to us to watch the F1, have some drinks, have some dinner, and just enjoy it with other fans.”

She added: “We have seen so much success with the business over the last few years and rebuilding post-Covid as people are even more passionate about getting out and doing things and enjoying time with loved ones and friends.

“So we're building on our success and really maximising on creating a new space for people to come and enjoy.”

Leonora also pointed to the state-of-the-art motion room which she says will allow the park to continue its “pedigree” in developing young drivers which is at “the heart of the project”.

The simulators are not only in full motion but can also be hooked up to VR for a fully immersive experience.

Famously seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton whizzed around the track during his youth.

John Herbert, Jenson Button and more recently Lando Norris and Ollie Bearman have also raced at Buckmore, which celebrated its 60th birthday last year.

Other celebrities have also been pictured at Buckmore including royals Prince William and Harry in 1992.

Read more: How dilapidated circuit became celebs’ favourite racing track

In the summer the firm launched its Driver Development Programme – an intensive week-long course with lessons on fitness, nutrition, engineering as well as racing skills.

Such was the success of that scheme that it will start up again in April and August and The Paddock would be its new home.

Mrs Martell-Surtees is the daughter of the late motorsport legend John Surtees who bought the park in 2015 and says the development would be “so up his street”.

He was the only man to have won both the F1 and motorcycling Grand Prix world championships, winning seven world motorbike championships before becoming F1 World Champion with Ferrari in 1964.

She said: “Dad loved to see progress, investment and development in drivers, motorsport and in the grassroots.

“He was always quite outspoken about how grassroots motorsport is often a bit sort of forgotten so he's had various schemes over the years and I am delighted to think he would think that this project is absolutely fantastic.

“There'll be lots of nods to him in the building.”

The inspiration behind the design of The Paddock is from pitlanes of the era of motorsport from which John lived.

This includes a space in the reception to display a heritage racing car as a focal point for visitors on arrival.

The plans are now going to the public for a consultation, which began today (November 7) and will run until Thursday, December 5.

To view the consultation click here.

The plans will be submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council as it seeks to secure planning permission.

If approved, Buckmore aims to be breaking ground on site in 2026 and open The Paddock to its first visitors in late 2027.