York Racecourse plans secure approval

Multimillion-pound plans to improve facilities at York Racecourse have been given the go-ahead.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.The plans include 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 is set to 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.Members of the council’s Planning Committee B on 10 October voted to approve the plans, subject to conditions, at a meeting yesterday (10 October 2023). The decision was in line with the recommendation of a planning officer’s report prepared for the meeting, as previously reported by Insider.