Beverley Racecourse unveils ‘exciting’ plans for new £4.8m grandstand

Beverley Racecourse has revealed details of its proposed new multi-million pound grandstand.

The venue is seeking planning consent from East Riding of Yorkshire Council for the £4.8m scheme, which would represent the single biggest investment in the racecourse’s 300-year history.

Subject to approval, the grandstand will provide an enhanced customer experience and additional hospitality opportunities for visitors.

Replacing the existing 1960s main stand, the development’s terracing will have tiered viewing areas for a more casual and social racegoing experience.

The ground level will feature a new entrance, open bar space and a gaming area, while the first floor will house a casual-dining bistro.

The top floor will create an extension of the racecourse’s Premier Enclosure, offering semi al fresco dining on a balcony overlooking the course.

If planning consent is granted, work to demolish the existing grandstand will start in September 2019.

The concrete base for the new stand would be installed during the off season to minimise disruption, while a temporary ‘village’ with viewing areas, bars and toilets will be in place for the 2020 season.

Construction of the new grandstand would begin in September 2020, for completion in April 2021.

Beverley Racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “These plans will provide the racecourse with the modern, fit-for-purpose facilities we need to meet the expectations of racegoers today and into the future, as well as having a competitive offer for other events.

“The new grandstand will be built on the same footprint as the existing stand and be the same height as the current structure, to ensure there is no additional impact on our beautiful setting.”

She continued: “We’re very sensitive to our location. The existing stand is a bit of an eyesore. It’s a typically 1960s structure that doesn’t blend in particularly well with the surroundings. We’ve been very careful in the design of the new stand to ensure it will complement the Westwood.”

Sir Gary Verity, chief exec of tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, commented: “Beverley Racecourse has been one of the region’s most treasured venues for over 300 years.

“The plans for the new grandstand are very exciting and I have no doubt it will greatly enhance the visitor experience and benefit the local community and economy. I wish the team great success with the development.”

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