Good news for new racecourse

Plans for a new racecourse in Essex have been approved

Essex County Showground’s grandstand and racecourse scheme has received a glowing review from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) which voted the scheme “an exciting prospect” that will “make a very positive contribution to the character of the countryside”.

Chelmsford Borough Council planning committee approved the redevelopment of the Essex county showground

The 165-acre site between Braintree and Chelmsford was established by Essex Agricultural Society as a permanent home for Essex County Show in 1957. Businessman John Holmes proposes to redevelop it as the UK’s first fully integrated racing, equestrian and outdoor event facility.

Racing will take place on an oval track. A landscaped area within it will host a new-look Essex County Show from 2003, plus international horse shows and other outdoor events.

A key feature is the Showground Centre, a grandstand, office, media and exhibition complex designed by architect John Barrow of HOK Sport, who also worked on Arsenal FC’s proposed new stadium and the redevelopment of Ascot racecourse.

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