Top show centre unveils new facilities

Towerlands, the legendary Essex equestrian facility is being re-launched following a cash injection of more than £1million.

Cambridgeshire property group Unex, owned by Bill Gredley, bought the centre in July 2004. The Gredley family has since turned the 90-acre site into a multi-discipline centre along the European model.

“We want all equestrian sports to use Unex Towerlands,” said Bill’s wife, Rowena Gredley.

Among the major improvements is a huge new outdoor school with an automatic watering and drainage surface. The school is 120x102m, with room for three dressage arenas and a warm-up, or simultaneous dressage and show jumping arenas.

Among other improvements are new grass arenas with viewing banks, a larger, resurfaced indoor warm-up and a resurfaced indoor arena with brand new skylights and heating for spectators. There are also 125 permanent stables and new VIP and hospitality facilities.

The Gredley’s son Tim, 2004 double European junior show jumping medallist has helped with ideas.

“We’ve borrowed some of the best aspects of centres in Europe and Britain,” said Steven Wilde, who has been centre manager since taking over from Mike Florence in March.

Towerlands was founded 25 years ago by the late Tom Hunnable and was managed by his son Chris until the Gredleys took over.

This news story was first published in today’s H&H (29 Septemberm ’05). Find out how Towerland’s first major show since its refurbishment went in next Thursday’s H&H (6 October, ’05)

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