Planners say new go-kart venue is on the right track

Falkirk-based karting firm Xtreme Karting has just secured permission to create a new indoor centre in a 42,000 square foot warehouse in Newbridge Industrial Estate.

Xtreme will use Rimo Evo karts of the type currently in use at the Schumacher Kart and Events Centre in Germany.

The new centre is set to create around 25 new full and part-time jobs, and Xtreme is currently recruiting for a depute manager, receptionist, race martials and sales staff.

The business was founded by Falkirk entrepreneurs Barrie and Scott Henderson, who have been running their Larbert centre since October 2004.

Barrie Henderson said: "We were delighted to be granted permission to expand our company into Edinburgh, and see Newbridge as the perfect location.

"It has a fantastic catchment area and transport links from Edinburgh as well as the whole of the Central Belt of Scotland"

"We take a lot of pride in being the only karting centre in Scotland to achieve the five star status from the tourist board, and we will be aiming to ensure the new facility meets the same high standards."

Work will get under way within the next month, transforming the industrial building which has lain empty since its construction 10 years ago.

The new indoor centre will feature customer facilities incorporating a viewing lounge and reception area, briefing and meeting rooms, trackside viewing area, first floor viewing area as well as toilets, offices and a mechanics area.

Mr Henderson added: "We will aim to provide an adrenaline-packed but safe experience, with safety measures intrinsically designed from the start to ensure the safety of the customers and staff."

At least one local business owner complained about the plans for an entertainment venue in what is currently an exclusively industrial site. However, head of planning John Bury dismissed the objection and approved the site.

He said: "Since the completion of the building, it has been marketed without success. The use as an indoor karting facility will bring economic benefits and employment opportunities.

"The applicant has submitted a noise assessment report which concludes that the noise will be no higher than the existing background noise level.

"A concern of a neighbouring occupier is that of an increased security risk. In this respect, the building subject to the application is self contained.There is no internal link to other buildings and therefore security is not compromised."