
The site began life as an opencast mine after the second world war, and after the coal reserves were extracted, it was backfilled, topsoiled and landscaped with conifers and grass.
It evolved into an international motorsports complex hosting the Welsh round of the World Rally Championship, and became established as a testing venue for WRC teams. It has also been used by vehicle manufacturers to develop cars with off-road ability.
Walters Arena now hosts a number of national and international motorsport events, and has also featured on television in Top Gear, Fifth Gear and Wheeler Dealers.