Member Article

York Handmade supplies regeneration development at York Racecourse

York Handmade Brick Company based at Alne, near Easingwold, supplied more than 80,000 high-quality bespoke bricks to the racecourse.

The bricks have formed an integral part of Phase One of the redevelopment of the northern end of the racecourse, designed to improve facilities for racegoers, horses and jockeys.

The multi-million redevelopment involves moving the pre parade ring, rebuilding a perimeter wall and creating new saddling boxes, veterinaryarea and a new wash-down area for horses. The work has been completed in time for this week’s Dante Festival

Phase Two, in which York Handmade is also involved, will include a new weighing room building, with the existing facilities being converted into space for racegoers, possibly including a new restaurant. That is scheduled to be completed by May next year.

William Derby, the chief executive of York Racecourse, commented: “York Handmade have done a magnificent job and we are extremely grateful to them. Their bricks form a crucial part of the new-look northern end of the racecourse.

“We chose the company because of their excellent reputation as a heritage brick manufacturer as we had to rebuild an historic wall, designed by the York architect Walter Brierley in 1910, and needed a quality wall in its place. York Handmade have delivered exactly that,” said Mr Derby.

Guy Armitage, a director of York Handmade, said: “As a local Yorkshire company, it was an honour to be asked to help with such a prestigious redevelopment at York Racecourse.

“Whilst we have recently completed important national contracts at the Shard in London and Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, we also take great satisfaction in undertaking projects in our home county of Yorkshire.”

Phelan Architects, who have designed the northern end regeneration project, commented: “To ensure York remains one of the country’s best and most regarded racecourses, it is essential it continues to evolve and develop.”

“In particular, it is important the equine facilities on offer meet the expectations and requirements of the owners and trainers of the world’s highest-rated thoroughbreds, so they continue to choose to race at York.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .