Kay Elliott Architects to masterplan future vision for historic Chester Racecourse

Kay Elliott, destination architects and masterplanners, have been appointed to prepare the strategic development plan for the World’s oldest racecourse in Chester UK. Working in collaboration with local practice Lovelock Mitchell Architects, the firm will leverage its specialist knowledge of destination masterplanning to assist the Chester Race Company board in developing its long-term vision for this historic site, known as the Roodee, which celebrates its 500^th anniversary in 2039.

The new Strategic Development Plan comes five years after a Racecourse Masterplan, granted planning consent in 2019, the aims and objectives of which have been re-assessed in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the challenging economic circumstances that have followed and the latest trends in the leisure and hospitality industry.

A cohesive and sustainable plan

Louise Stewart, chief executive officer of Chester Race Company, says:

“Over its long history, the racecourse has adapted to meet the needs of the public whilst also respecting the heritage of the site, so it’s exciting to embark on the next stage of its evolution to make sure it continues to be successful long into the future. Our plan will replace some of the ageing buildings, which also gives us the opportunity to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment and improve the presentation of the site.”

Richard Maddock, director of Kay Elliott, adds: 

“Having recently submitted planning permission for a new stadium for Bath Rugby, right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City, we are delighted to be able to work with another globally recognised destination in such a prestigious city location.

“Set against the medieval City walls and stretching over the banks of the River Dee, the Roodee is a very special place, but like many sporting and cultural venues, design ideas that may have worked before the pandemic don’t align with new ways of thinking and can miss opportunities for greater positive change, especially when considering the growing awareness of the climate emergency.”

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