Racecourse saddles up for success with £3.2m redevelopment scheme
WETHERBY Racecourse is building a new stand as part of a £3.2m investment to help position the venue as one of the premier sporting, leisure and business facilities in Yorkshire.
The demolition of the Old Members’ Stand is taking place to make way for a new grandstand.
Wetherby’s chief executive and clerk of the course, Jonjo Sanderson, said “We are delighted that we have been able to commence work on this exciting new grandstand. Undoubtedly, it is going to be a great addition to the existing racecourse facilities.
“It is the beginning of another new chapter in the long history of Wetherby Racecourse being located at this site, which first saw racing here in 1891. This major investment will allow us to provide a modern, state of the art facility to rival most other venues in this part of the county, which, as well as creating an exceptional experience for our regular racegoers, will also create a wonderful facility for non-raceday events including conferences, exhibitions, banquets and weddings.”
Amongst the facilities being created in the new building is a public bar on the ground floor with a betting shop, two public bar counters and more refreshment outlets. The first floor will provide an exclusive facility for owners and trainers with balcony viewing of both the parade ring to the south and the final furlong and winning post to the north, as well as panoramic views of the course.
The second floor will include a facility for premier enclosure racegoers, offering views of the racecourse, and a new stewards room.
The top floor will provide accommodation for race meeting services including the judge, the photo-finish facility, the side-on television camera positions and the racecourse commentator.
Throughout the redevelopment works the racecourse will continue to stage its usual racing programme.
Lindum has been appointed as the main construction contractor.
Jonathan Sizer, managing director for Lindum’s York division, said “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious job and look forward to helping to create this fantastic new facility at Wetherby Racecourse. We understand the importance of balancing the construction requirements with that of a busy, and very popular, racecourse. We will be working hard to ensure minimal disruption throughout the redevelopment works as the race programme continues as usual.”
Jonjo Sanderson, chief executive and clerk of the course at Wetherby Racecourse, demolishing part of the old member’s stand, and Rob Marris, site manager for construction contractor Lindum York.
