Doncaster Racecourse

The construction of a new grandstand at Doncaster Racecourse is the latest major development at the racecourse, which is one of the oldest in Britain.

Phase one of the project is the new five storey grandstand structure which will connect to the conference centre and exhibition hall. The stand will feature bars and restaurants and two levels of private boxes with panoramic views of the track. The exhibition centre will be housed on the ground floor of the grandstand and incorporate more than 4,000m² of floor space with a number of break-out areas. The new grandstand will replace an old concrete frame structure from the 1970s which ISG Construction will demolish before construction work begins.

Steel was the preferred material for the new grandstand as it lends itself to large spans required for the exhibition centre as well as the cantilever roof. For the main grandstand, Billington Structures erected approximately 1,500 tonnes of structural steelwork, which predominantly consisted of column and beams, supporting metal decked floors and pre-cast concrete slabs for the terracing. All exposed steelwork was also pre-painted which contributed to overall speed of the construction process. The new grandstand is 110m long with a maximum height of 28m and topped with a 18m cantilever roof.

The main structural steelwork was erected in 10m x 10m grids, which was also replicated on the roof assembly. The main columns, which are centred at 10m intervals and support the roof, are predominantly 356 x 406 x 235 UC’s. These 14m long members were spliced at the building’s second level to give the overall height of 28m. The cantilevered roof is constructed with a number of tapered 18m-long Westok 838mm x 194mm beams which are 30m long overall, having a 18m cantilever section, which were chosen for the durability and lightness.

The exhibition, which adjoins the back of the grandstand, is 70m long and has no internal columns and has clear spans of 20m. It was constructed using 24m long Westok beams.

Key features of the new grandstand include private hospitality suites, a wide range of places to eat and drink, plus luxury dining experiences. Other investments at Doncaster Racecourse include a £1m improvement to the racing surface, which will improve irrigation and drainage to ensure the best conditions for the horses. New stables are also being constructed together with a new horsewalk, saddling boxes, pre-parade ring and weighing room.