Chester Race Company has revealed that its landmark vision for Chester Racecourse is moving forward after securing planning permission from Cheshire West and Chester Council.
The approval includes plans for a new year-round hospitality building capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests. The plans also include a state-of-the-art facilities hub on Saddlery Way.
Covering around 5,000 square metres across two locations, the development is intended to support Chester Racecourse’s long-term ambitions as a premier destination for racing, hospitality, and events.
The scheme features a hospitality building designed by Kay Elliott, offering a contemporary space for guests and supporting Chester’s potential to host conferences, exhibitions, and major events. It also includes proposed infrastructure enhancements to the Roodee—such as upgraded drainage systems—and targets a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ sustainability rating, underscoring Chester Race Company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Planning permission has also been granted for a Facilities Hub on Saddlery Way, designed by Lovelock Mitchell. The hub will consolidate key operational and support functions—including offices, catering facilities, maintenance and storage areas, and staff amenities—aiming to improve efficiency and modernise back-of-house operations at Chester Racecourse.
Louise Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Chester Race Company, commented: “We are delighted that planning permission has been secured for this project. This represents a significant step in our ambition for Chester Racecourse and the benefits it can bring to the city. The plans offer the potential for first-class facilities, modern infrastructure, and sustainable design for the future. While this is a major milestone, we recognise that there is still much work ahead to finalise the proposals and achieve board approval, which will be essential to move forward successfully.”
The proposals have been developed by a team of experienced professionals, including Kay Elliott (Hospitality Building architects) and Lovelock Mitchell (Saddlery Way Facilities Hub architects), in collaboration with Ramboll (structural and MEP engineers), Thornton Firkin (cost consultants), Ridge & Partners (BREEAM advisers), Fenix Heritage, Kingdom Ecology, Axis (transport), GroundSolve (geotechnical engineers), and Clayton Property (project manager and planning consultant).
Further updates on the project will be shared as it progresses.