Newbury Race Course Back On Track With $55M Housing Deal

Work will begin in a few months on the first houses with "a ringside view" of a British racecourse after Newbury "completed a redevelopment deal," according to Will Hayler of the London GUARDIAN. The deal will see the track paid £42.6M ($55.6M) over 10 years for the sale of three areas of land to developer and builder David Wilson Homes. Although the main racecourse buildings are to "remain largely unchanged," work is to begin shortly on a new center-course car park for racegoers. In '14 and '15, a new "parade ring and improvements to stables and saddling boxes" will be built, along with accommodation for stable staff. The construction of a new bridge, set to open in '15, will "provide improved access" to the racecourse. Newbury Managing Dir Sarah Hordern said, "Completing this deal means we have the final go-ahead to start construction after years of consultation and planning on this project" (GUARDIAN, 9/19).