Naas and Sligo racecourses are set for redevelopment after grants of over €1.8 million were approved by the Board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) under its Racecourse Capital Development scheme.
Naas racecourse in Kildare has major redevelopment plans at an estimated cost of over €2.6 million, which has been approved for more than €1 million in funding.
Sligo meanwhile has plans in place for a series of upgrades costing in excess of €1.9 million, with HRI Capital Development grant aid of close to €800,000 now approved.
The focal point of Naas’s redevelopment will see the stand next to the parade ring demolished and a modern curved structure built, incorporating a public ground floor bar, a first-floor owners and trainers bar and restaurant and a rooftop terrace giving race goers views over the parade ring and the track. The roof covering will be a folding design to allow lowering or erecting according to weather conditions.
Extensive interior remodelling of the grandstand is also planned, while works will also be carried out on the north stand.
The most ambitious part of Sligo’s plans is the construction of a new two-storey hospitality building overlooking the parade ring and track, which will house a public restaurant on the ground and hospitality facilities on the first floor with an extensive viewing area. It is envisaged that this work will commence in 2018 and be completed in 2019.
Prior to that, the upgrading and remodelling of the first floor bar in the main grandstand will get underway in 2016, in addition to the extension of the existing balcony, which will wrap around the corner of the stand giving improved views of the racecourse.
Other significant works include the renovation of the bar and restaurant, the creation of an outdoor play area, upgrades to the weigh room, a new presentation podium, upgrading of the owners and trainers room, a new entrance building with turnstiles and toilets and the installation of glass canopies to provide shelter.
Tom Ryan, Manager of Naas Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted that our plans have been approved for HRI Capital Development Funding and excited about getting started. Our improved facilities will really enhance the experience of race goers and the new pavilion in particular will create a modern showpiece for the racecourse.”
Sligo’s racecourse manager Kathryn Foley is deligthted with the progress at the track: “The plans we have in place for Sligo Racecourse are a continuation of the investment in customer facilities that we have been making over the last number of years. Our core aim is to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of our race goers and all participants in the sport and part of our focus is to ensure that everyone is afforded great views of the track.”
