York Racecourse £5m improvement plans approved

The project aims to improve the experience for visitors to the racecourse

Plans to redevelop part of York Racecourse to create extra seating, bars, betting facilities and food stands have been approved.

The £5m scheme would see the section south of the Knavesmire Stand upgraded.

Two new lawns under a high canopy would also be created and the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand would be improved, site owners said.

The racecourse said the plans aimed to offer a better experience for visitors to that end of the course.

The plans include replacing a single-storey extension behind the Bustardthorpe Stand with a new building, upgrading the area's toilets and refurbishing the entrance.

Chief executive William Derby told the city's planning committee the objective was to "improve the experience" for visitors.

He said it was not about increasing capacity but would bring the southern area of the course up to the same standard of the rest of the site.

Mr Derby said it was only through investing and innovation the course could retain its status as one "of the leading racecourses in the world".

The planning committee passed the plans unanimously.

It is expected the work will be completed in time for the 2024 racing season.