Plans for a new £5 million stand at Thirsk Racecourse have been announced

A planning application was submitted to North Yorkshire Council to demolish the current stand, which was built in the 1960s.

The building will then be replaced by a three-storey facility, including a public bar on the first floor, a premium dining room on the first floor, and a rooftop terrace on the second floor.

James Sanderson, CEO of Thirsk Racecourse, said the planned new stand will be the latest improvements to be made at the venue, with the aim of creating modern courses suitable for the 21st century.

“We have patched and patched the stands over the last few years, but it is approaching the end of its useful life and we need to look to the future.

“If you don't advance in the race, you're backing down and we don't want to do that.

“Race is a very good sport and we have to modernize it to attract the next generation of racers and keep the current generation happy.”

Sanderson estimates that work could begin this September, with plans and funding scope, will take 18 months to complete.

He added that if not this year, work will begin in September 2026 and that the course will likely continue to operate normally while the project is complete.

The support document submitted by KCA Architects adds that the racetrack should continue to “evoke and develop” targeting stands aimed at race participants who wanted a “upgraded experience.”

“As part of the course's ongoing evolution, there is the opportunity to create a premium stand located at the Prime Development Site at the heart of the course's enclosure.

“The Northside offers spectacular panoramic viewing across the racecourse, as well as views on the parade ring and enclosure.

“The site is located at the heart of the circulation route and is easily accessible to race participants, non-race activities and delivery vehicles. This position is perfect for new landmark buildings.”

According to the paper, existing stands have served racetracks for many years, but are now outdated and have many structural problems, with recommendations from structural engineers that the building will be demolished.

The architect says the victory line is the best in the new stand.

Their report adds: “The intended proposal is to provide a simple, light building with clear viewing of the horses and the race features associated with the day’s operations.

“It is important that the building is visually distinctive, while responding to and complementing the sites, settings and features of the surrounding area.”

The stand includes a corridor on the first floor to the existing chestnut room.

On the top floor is a luxury garden roof terrace with a large, enclosed canopy.

The canopy is an extended fabric structure that covers the extended fabric and provides shade and protection from the elements.

Glass doors and windows surround this and leave them closed depending on the weather.

The new stand will be lower than the existing principled Hambleton stand, the architect's report adds.