Newbury Racecourse has submitted planning proposals for a racecourse redevelopment which forms part of the ongoing development project.

The proposed infrastructure enhancement's are estimated to have a total cost of approximately £20 million.

Features in the phase one of works include:

• A new west entrance and Horseman’s Club facility, with a bar for owners and trainers and a dining area and patio, which will double as a new events venue on non-racedays.

• Two new entrances to create a more attractive and customer-friendly arrival experience.

• A new, more modern administration office immediately above the Horseman’s Club.

• A new pre-parade ring with new saddling boxes adjacent.

• An expansion of the existing parade ring to include a completely new winners enclosure within the parade ring, enhanced viewing for the public and improved facilities for television broadcasters.

-- Advertisement --

• Repositioned pavilion suites on the site of the existing saddling boxes.

• Landscaping around the grandstands.

The second phase of works will include refurbishing the Berkshire Stand and Pall Mall building to provide improved facilities for both racing and conference customers.

Subject to planning consent, the first phase of works will cost an estimated £13.5 million and would commence in January 2016, to be completed over a two year period.

Phase two will cost approximately £6.5 million, however this will be reviewed in 2018 when there will be greater visibility of the likely financial returns from the residential developments.

The residential scheme on the site continues to make good progress, with most of the Western Area construction now complete and over 200 homes occupied.

The next phase of the development will see the completion of 360 apartments, which is due for completion this year.

Build work on the new access bridge from the north of the site is well advanced and is expected to be open in time for the three day bet365 Festival.

A new main public car park at the Eastern end of the racecourse is virtually complete. The new nursery and stable staff hostel buildings are due for completion at the end of this month, with the new Estate Yard already opened.

Outline planning permission for a 120 bedroom four star hotel remains in place from the originally approved application in 2010, but there are no immediate plans to commence work on this part of the project.

(LM)