York Racecourse Talks to Neighbours about an Extension in Stable Staff Accommodation

The team based at the Stables at York Racecourse (known as Stableside) are to host a meeting with their neighbours. It will outline a plan to accommodate more Stable Staff. Please note this event will be hosted at Stableside, off Tadcaster Road.

As more horses are racing at York each season, there are more grooms coming to look after them. So, the team are developing plans to add extra bedrooms at the stables site.

The drop-in event is scheduled for Tuesday 16 December between 4.30pm and 6pm. Members of the Stableside team, as well as the architects, will be on hand to guide neighbours through the drawings and visuals, whilst answering questions and listening to comments.

Existing rooms will be open for viewing to help people understand the style of bedroom that is appropriate in the 21^st century, ensuite and mindful of safeguarding responsibilities.

The existing 25 rooms were upgraded to offer ensuite as part of a refurbishment in 2020, now the demand has outgrown the space.

The working draft will show the current L-shaped building, which includes the kitchen, a dining room and common room becoming a U-shaped building. Expanded kitchen and common areas would complete the extension.

This new wing would add 29 ensuite rooms, reducing the need for horses to be driven home each night or for Stable Staff to travel to external accommodation.

At the heart of the development is environmental sustainability, aiming for a net zero construction, as well as features such as such solar panels and rainwater harvesting. These echo similar features in the recent Bustardthorpe Development and align with the Green Knavesmire 300 strategy for environmental sustainability.

Designed around the needs of the Stable Staff, it would also mean that accommodation for visiting school parties and weekend visitors, outside of the racedays, would be enhanced.

Speaking about the scheme, William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course said; “We have been delighted to welcome a record number of horses in each of the last two seasons. It is important for the welfare of the horses that their grooms are nearby. It is important for the welfare of those grooms that we do this properly, meaning ensuite, single occupancy bedrooms. This plan would allow us to offer a world class experience to both horse and human visitors.”

Homemade cakes will be served during this informal meeting.

Immediate neighbours to Stableside, based on Tadcaster Road, (YO24 1QG), will receive a door drop leaflet to invite them to the meeting.