Multi-million pound facelift for racecourse

The steeplechase venue at the junction of the A27 each of Chichester is set to be given the biggest overhaul in its 81-year history. Owner Northern Racing plc has joined with brewer Mitchells and Butlers to provide a major boost to the tourism industry in this area.

Formal planning permission for the changes is about to be sought from Arun District Council but extent of the proposed changes can be revealed.

Northern Racing expects to put 3m-6m into the site, which it bought in 2002, in the next ten years. New facilities will include:

- A new premier stand to replace the existing Comedy of Errors stand. This will feature a 250-cover viewing restaurant, eight extra hospitality boxes and improved facilities for conferences and meetings.

- Enlargement of the existing Kerman stand with a cafeteria and bistro of up to 250 covers, updated grandstand and paddock enclosure bar and exhibition and conference facilities.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette, September 15