A new project is set to transform Lake Macquarie's former mine site into a world-class motorsport park and resort. BlackRock Motor Resort at Wakefield promises not just adrenaline-pumping racing circuits but also luxury accommodation, driver training facilities, a function centre, go-kart track, and cafe.

The first sod was turned on the site last week, marking the start of a three-year $95 million construction project.

Set on a sprawling 252-hectare site, the resort's design is more similar to a golf resort than it is to a racetrack that hosts large-scale racing events.

Designed by the Tilke Group, known for their work on iconic race tracks worldwide like Yas Marina Circuit in Singapore, Circuit of the Americas in Texas, and the Red Bull Ring in Austria, BlackRock's circuit will host corporate driving events, performance car driving experiences, public track days, and driver training courses.

The project represents a bold move towards adaptive reuse, repurposing former mining land into a haven for adventure seekers and motorsport enthusiasts. BlackRock's construction phase alone is expected to generate 450 jobs, with nearly 230 permanent positions once the resort is operational.

“I’m excited about what BlackRock will deliver for Lake Mac and the wider Hunter Region, not just in terms of jobs, but the tens of millions of dollars it will inject into the local economy for many years to come,” Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said.

Anticipation is high as BlackRock gears up for its grand opening within the next two years, with construction finalised about 12 months later. The first stage of the project will include track construction and the establishment of a cafe in the former mine’s horse stable building.

So, if you’ve become F1-obsessed in recent years thanks to Drive to Survive or you’re a long-time motorsports fan, keep your eyes peeled for updates on the opening of BlackRock Motor Resort.