Racecourse revamp on track to start before end of year

Published on Monday 21 July 2008 10:31

NEW stable blocks, a community centre, a cafe and a BMX track are set to be built at Musselburgh Racecourse by the end of the year.

East Lothian Council has granted permission for the multi-million pound redevelopment, and racecourse directors say they want work to start "as soon as possible".

They are finalising the plans for financing the project and the estimated 2.2 million cost will be split between the council, the racecourse and the Common Good Fund.

The scaled-down redevelopment comes after the original 11 million plan for a floodlit all-weather track was thrown out last year following a public inquiry.

Objectors argued it would damage the historic Musselburgh Old Golf Course and a neighbouring nature reserve.

Although not as controversial as the original plans, the new scheme has still attracted some concern from wildlife enthusiasts, with Scottish Natural Heritage concerned about the impact on birdlife and other animals in the area, which is a designated special protection area.

The body was overruled by the council, however, which gave the development the green light.

Musselburgh councillor Barry Turner, who sits on the joint racing committee, said they were keen to start work on the revised plans as soon as possible.

The current stables at Millhill and Goosegreen are said to be in urgent need of upgrading or replacing.

Their distance from the racetrack also means horses have to be transported through the town on race days.

Cllr Turner said: "The financial package is just being put together to pay for it. It will be split three ways, but the exact breakdown has not yet been agreed.

"There's always some controversy over who should be funding the racecourse, but we see it as a win-win situation, as this will benefit the community as well.

"We're ready to go once that's agreed. We've already gone out to tender on the proposals. We want to start this year, as soon as possible.

"It's urgent that it's done so the existing situation of taking horses through the streets can be changed.

"We are hoping it will be possible to deliver affordable housing on the site of the old stable blocks, but that depends on getting planning permission for the site."

The new community centre and cafe is intended to have meeting rooms and an exhibition space.

The approved plans also include building a replacement for the existing BMX track, building a new stable yard and ground care workshops. There will also be new access roads and a car park.