Multimillion-pound racecourse improvements set for approval

Multimillion-pound plans to improve facilities at York Racecourse look set to get the green light next week (10 October 2023).The racecourse submitted a planning application to City of York Council this summer for the area to the south of the Knavesmire Stand.A £5m investment is set to be made in improvements to the facilities, with additional lawns, seating, catering outlets, toilets, bars, betting facilities and big screens.Planning permission is sought for the refurbishment of the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand, which offers live viewing of the racing, and replacement of the existing 1950’s single-storey extension to the rear of the stand with an extension to complement the work of York architect Walter Brierley.An improved Theakston’s Bar, William Hill betting shop, toilet facilities and food outlets would be created, with the temporary Roberto Village Bar facilities to be converted into a permanent feature building offering food, bar and betting.The plans also include a refurbished entrance with feature gateway, the creation of two new racegoer lawns, landscaping, and environmental and sustainability features.The scheme has been developed by Yorkshire-based Dawson Williamson Architects.The application will be considered by the council’s Planning Committee B on 10 October and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.The report highlighted benefits of the proposed development including “preservation and enhancement of the Conservation Area and securing the setting of the listed racecourse clock tower and County Stand further to the north. whilst securing the long-term future of an important investor in the wider city economy”.York Racecourse welcomes about 300,000 visitors during racing events and contributes about £58 million per annum to the city’s economy. The full time equivalent of 1,300 jobs are supported by the venue.