Millionaire Fred Done behind £100m development on racecourse where he launched career

Millionaire bookmaker Fred Done has announced plans to build 500 homes on the site of a racecourse where he launched his career.

The Salford bookie has announced work will start next year on the £100m development in Salford.

The scheme at the former Manchester Racecourse in Castle Irwell is expected to create around 900 construction jobs.

The development will include a new primary school and supermarket.

Fred Done began working life on the racecourse and opened his first shop a short stroll away on Cromwell Road.

The racetrack closed in 1963 and ten years later the University of Salford built student accommodation blocks on the land.

The development has been standing empty for the last three years.

Fred Done told the Manchester Evening News: “All the planning permission was in place before I bought it.

“There was competition from major builders . It went out to tender and we paid the top market price for it.

“It will be for family homes with a price range of £150,000 to £350,000. I am a Salford boy and I want to create something that Salford can be proud of.

“I didn’t want to rush it. We have spoken to designers in America, Holland, and Britain. There will be a an Aldi or Lidl type supermarket and a primary school.

“Developing this site means a lot to me. My first shop was 200 yards from the site. As a 20-year-old I worked the racecourse. The site still has a lot of attachment for me.

“The racecourse turnstile buildings are still there and are listed. We will look after them and I am asking for ideas from the public as to what they should be used for.

“We expect to be on site next April and it will be a four year project. We still have to finalise the detailed planning but our plan is for the two, three and up to four bedroom homes.”

The businessman’s development company Salboy and construction firm Domis will manage the project.