
The project, which has been through a period of consultation with neighbours and shareholders, is the first stage in a 15-year ‘Strategic Masterplan’.
Chester Race Company are set to create a permanent hospitality building, providing additional capacity and replacing existed guest facilities and the need for the temporary tented village which is currently erected on the Roodee during the race season.
The proposals also include a new facilities hub, which will replace the racecourse’s 133-space Saddlery Way car park, and serve as the headquarters for Chester Race Company, a food production facility, a maintenance building and yard and a stables lodge, with 45 rooms.
The hospitality site will cater for up to 1000 guests, with a flexible layout and roof terrace providing panoramic views over the racecourse.
Architects, Kay Elliot, say the design will follow the concept of the ‘Deva Meadow’ and “Bring back the original Chester meadows through an organic rush of colour, energy, yet understated luxury and sophistication.”
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The proposals show a long rectangular building with curved edges, featuring a roof terrace, an amphitheatre space at the side of the course, and rooftop garden.
The flexible layout is designed so that it can function as one large space or be divided into five smaller spaces.
The bar has been located on the southern side of the building allowing it to be accessed externally from 3 sides and operated independently to the hospitality space.
The existing toilet facilities have been brought inside to allow access from the new Roodee Walkway.
There will also be two passenger lifts at eighter end of the hospitality suite allowing access to the roof terrace and five accessible toilets have also be proposed, alongside a changing place toilet.
The planning documents also detail a seven-step approach for developing the racecourse over the next decade and a half, which includes:
- Remove ‘tented village’
- New hospitality building with landscaped roof
- Saddlery Way facilities hub – Racecourse offices, central kitchen, stable staff accommodation and workshops
- Expansion of hotel accommodation – Additional 60-90 rooms in new or extended hotel
- Refurbishment of County and Leverhulme stands
- Dee enclosure – improved facilities, landscaping and heritage interpretation.
- Pre-Parade Ring area – improved guest and shareholder facilities.
These plans come after two rounds of public consultation events, which took place in July and November last year.
Architects, Kay Elliot, add: “The proposals offer the unique opportunity to:
• Improve the long term viability of the Racecourse
• Provide a sector leading facility that will enhance the wider offerings of the city
• Enhance the visual appearance and setting of the Racecourse from the surrounding area
• Improve the environmental performance and increase on-site bio-diversity.”