Doncaster plans get go-ahead
Plans for the £55m (€80m) redevelopment of Doncaster racecourse have been approved by the local council’s planning committee.
The racecourse will close following the jumps meeting on December 19 while work is carried out before reopening in July 2007, in time for the St Leger two months later.
“We got planning permission yesterday and the next step is the signing of the joint venture partnership with the council. That could be any day so we are very nearly there,” said Ted Taylor, Arena Leisure’s managing director at Doncaster.
Planning permission has been granted for the first phase which will see the 1960s main grandstand and exhibition centre demolished and replaced with a brand new building boasting up-to-date facilities.
The scheme also involves replacing stables in Carr House Road with a modern complex next to the track meaning horses will no longer have to be taken across two dual carriageways to reach the course.
A new two-storey accommodation block by will also be built for stable staff.
The second phase, incorporating a hotel, will need a separate planning application.
The 19-month closure of the racecourse will mean the relocation of the world’s oldest Classic, the Ladbrokes St Leger, next year.
York are favourites to get the nod with an announcement likely to coincide with the signing of the joint venture partnership.
“That is the idea but we are getting to the point where we need to announce where next year’s St Leger will take place,” Taylor added.
“We plan to reopen in July 2007, have a couple of meetings and then a four-week break before staging the St Leger.”
