As consumers continue to increase their disposable income spending upon leisure pursuits, numerous destinations throughout the UK are investing in upgrading their facilities as a means of offering a more rounded experience.
This has been the case in Bath, where racecourse owners have chosen to engage in a multimillion pound investment programme at its Lansdown venue.
Under the proposals, which have now been submitted for consideration by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee, a new grandstand will be created overlooking the final furlong. Furthermore, the plans would see the existing hospitality stand overlooking the finish line refurbished, with new décor, more catering options and a series of balconies installed.
Should plans be approved, the new grandstand will offer racegoers access to a new ground floor bar, viewing steps for up to 400 people and a restaurant on the middle floor with space for up to 200 seated diners.
Furthermore, at times when no races are scheduled, the restaurant will be able to act as a conference suite, with its 300 person capacity making it one of the largest conference spaces in the entire city.
Executive director of Bath Racecourse, Jo Hall, believes that the changes will be welcomed warmly by local consumers.
She says; “This is an exciting time for the racecourse with the investment plans ensuring it has a bright future.
“We are already a popular and thriving local attraction, but the extensive improvements will ensure we become a premier destination for racing and a wide range of business and leisure events.
“I would like to thank everyone who is working on this project with us and we look forward to seeing the plans become reality in the months ahead.”
While the creation of the new grandstand will certainly boost the destination’s capability to host a plethora of business and leisure events, it does not mean that the current facilities will be neglected.
The plans also include a number of refurbishment initiatives at the existing grandstand, including the upgrading of the bar area and bathrooms along with extensive landscaping works in the immediate vicinity.
Assuming planning permission is granted in a timely manner, the racecourse’s owners intent to begin construction work as soon as possible, and have laid out a timetable allowing the changes to be implemented during the current race programme without requiring events to be transferred to other nearby racecourses.
This means the majority of refurbishment works could feasibly be completed before the launch of the 2016 racing season, with the new grandstand expected to open to the public by the autumn of 2016.
Do you think other racecourses in the UK should consider refurbishment programmes of this type, especially considering the potential boost in earnings with the addition of a conference facility in the new grandstand?
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