And finally… another brick in the wall
Top-hats off to York Racecourse, for choosing local specialist York Handmade Brick as a supplier to the now-completed redevelopment of the course’s Southern End.
The Alne-based firm provided 70,000 bricks for the project, with the firm’s contribution described by course chief executive William Derby as “magnificent”.
As previously outlined by Place Yorkshire, the scheme comprised a significant upgrade to the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand along with the brand-new Roberto Pavilion
York Handmade Brick’s contract was worth £80,000.
Derby – what a name that is for a man who works in horse racing, by the way – said: “York Handmade Brick is our brick supplier of choice and has been for some time. The previous development of the Northern End of the racecourse and transformation of the parade ring, weighing room and saddling boxes also used York Handmade and resulted in award-winning, world-class facilities for horses, jockeys and racegoers in 2015/16.
“We wanted the Southern End development of our buildings at York to complement the quality and heritage of this development as part of our 20-year masterplan to transform the facility at York Racecourse as one of the best racecourses in the world.”
The transformation of the Southern End of the racecourse has now been completed and will be officially opened at the flagship Sky Bet Ebor Festival, from 21 August.
Around 90% of the work on the project went to Yorkshire firms, including main contractor Lindum.
Guy Armitage, managing director of York Handmade, said: “This was a very significant project for us. Apart from enhancing our special relationship with York Racecourse and helping to create even more superb facilities at one of the greatest racecourses in the world, it is a showcase for our brand-new Ebor Range of bricks.”
Armitage added that the project has been a “massive endorsement” of the firm’s £1.5m investment in new machinery.
Apart from the new lawns and open-air canopy structure, the area next to the refurbished Bustardthorpe Stand and Roberto Pavilion now features catering facilities, betting facilities, toilets and a new wrought iron gate commemorating Yorkshire owner-breeder, Reg Bond.
The Roberto Pavilion itself provide racegoers with a “high spec” bar, feature fish and chip shop, Tote and William Hill betting booths and, of course, a new Pimm’s bar.
