Bath Racecourse has officially opened its new Langridge Grandstand – completing the multi-million pound redevelopment that has made it one of the country’s leading racing venues.
The three-storey building is set to become an instant landmark thanks to its exclusive roof garden, which offers visitors an unrivalled viewing spot on race days and is set under an enormous sail-inspired canopy.
The grandstand also features the spacious ground-floor 1811 public bar with viewing steps for up to 400 people as well as a 200-seat trackside restaurant and function room with a balcony, named after Bath’s famous Royal Crescent.
The official opening took place on Wednesday with the chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Alan Hale, cutting the ribbon in front of an audience of invited guests ahead of an afternoon meeting of eight races.
Among those present were principal partners of the racecourse, including Keynsham-based building contractor Dribuild, Marshfield-based civil engineering and waste management firm M J Church, and catering supplier Brakes.
Also in attendance were racing industry leaders, horse owners and trainers and representatives from the development team, including the grandstand’s designers Birmingham-based D5 Architects and its construction team.
Bath Racecourse executive director Jo Hall said: “The new facilities firmly establish Bath Racecourse as one of the country’s leading racing venues, but also brings to the area new function and conferencing facilities ideal for weddings and parties, businesses events, award ceremonies and private dining.
“We are delighted the new facilities have been so well received and it has been fitting to finish the redevelopment work with the official opening of the Langridge Grandstand, which is impressive on every level and offers purpose-built facilities. Racegoers are sure to appreciate it and we anticipate a bright future for Bath Racecourse.”
The redevelopment of the flat racing course, owned by the UK’s largest racecourse operator Arena Racing Company (ARC), has also included the new Kelston Hospitality Stand, which opened in April to coincide with the start of the 2016 season.
The stand, named after the nearby village of Kelston, has nine premium hospitality suites overlooking the finishing line with balconies offering unrivalled trackside views.
Its ground-floor bar, which overlooks the parade ring and finishing post, is named Beckford after William Beckford, the wealthy property mogul of the early 19th century who erected the nearby Beckford Tower in 1827.
The newly refurbished Mornington restaurant, which also overlooks the racing action from a private balcony, is open for racegoers seeking a fine dining experience.
The redevelopment aims to substantially increasing the course’s income from corporate and other events on non-racedays while also boosting attendances at its 22 racing fixtures each year.
Bath Racecourse this year also launched a new brand – designed by its in-house team – to reflect its 205-year heritage and underline its close ties with the city of Bath and surrounding area.
Pictured, above: The new Langridge Grandstand on race day.
Below: Bath & North East Somerset chairman Cllr Alan Hale officially opens the new stand with Bath Racecourse executive director Jo-Hall and Martin Cruddace of ARC
