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Maxim helps Buckmore Park get its plans on track

January, 2025

Maxim, the Kent-based PR and public affairs agency, has helped the owners of Buckmore Park unveil plans to create The Paddock, a new motorsport-themed centre at the much-loved Kent karting circuit.

The plans were unveiled after working with the team at Maxim, as well as planning consultants DHA, and architects Morton Scarr.   

A planning application is now live with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for The Paddock, a 20,000ft2 building that would be home to a state-of-the-art simulator room, a restaurant and bar, and viewing terrace overlooking the circuit.  

Maxim advised the owners of Buckmore Park on stakeholder and community engagement. This involved the organisation of briefings, as well as announcing the news to the county’s media and motorsport press. 

As a result, the story was picked up by BBC South East Today, ITV Meridian, KMTV, and KMFM, as well as the local newspapers, online news sites, and region’s business press. 

ITV Meridian's Joe Coshan interviews Leonora Martell-Surtees.

Andrew Metcalf, Maxim’s Managing Director, said: “This is an excellent example of the projects Maxim gets involved with as we help put the case for investment, new jobs and economic development, linking to planning applications. 

“The preparation by the team, combined with the considerable merits of The Paddock project, meant it was well received by local stakeholders, the community and Buckmore’s customers.” 

If the plans are approved by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council it would create a 120-seat restaurant and sports bar, alongside 18 state-of-the-art motion simulators, plus 100-seat briefing and conference room. A 1,000ft2 roof terrace will give visitors the opportunity to view the racing live at the international standard circuit. 

A CGI of how the inside of The Paddock would look.

The Paddock will provide a further 30 job opportunities in addition to the 50 strong workforce already at the circuit close to the M2 at the top of Blue Bell Hill. At the heart of the plans is Driver Development Academy, which is designed to bring forward the future champions of motorsport as Buckmore Park has done in the past with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, and more recently Lando Norris and Ollie Bearman. 

If approved, Buckmore hopes to break ground on site in 2026 and open The Paddock to its first visitors in 2027. 

A CGI of how the approach to The Paddock would look.

Andrew Metcalf - Director

Andrew Metcalf

Maxim / Managing Director

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