26/02/2001
Design for London City Racecourse
The design of Britains first new racecourse since 1927 has provided the opportunity for a comprehensive rethink of the layout of racecourse facilities. Existing racecourses have typically developed over a long period of time, with buildings being progressively added without the benefit of an overall strategy or masterplan. This has often resulted in stables, saddling boxes, parade ring and winners enclosures being remote from the main grandstand and the racecourse. The spectator is expected to seek out the various points of interest during an event, which often leads to confusion and frustration.
London City Racecourse addresses the increasingly sophisticated needs and expectations of the modern racegoer in a competitive leisure industry. The configuration of the grandstand responds to the natural form of a crowd, concentrating facilities adjacent to the finishing line. The stand has a logical layout with facilities located where they are most needed, thus making the stand user friendly for novice and enthusiast alike.
Bringing all aspects of horseracing in front of the stand helps to demystify the sport, encouraging future generations of racegoers. The stables are positioned directly opposite the grandstand so that spectators can see the horses being led to the parade ring, which is located in a natural amphitheatre in front of the grandstand.
The racecourse can accommodate 20,000 spectators - with up to 10,000 taking advantage of the facilities offered within the grandstand, and a large proportion of those outside remaining under cover. The curvilinear form of the roof provides shelter, containing and intensifying the excitement of a race whilst minimising its impact on the surrounding areas. By opening large widows, the unique atmosphere of a race can be enjoyed by spectators in the bars, and at tables in the restaurants and boxes. The overall enclosure conveys a sense of theatre for both large and small events alike.
Visitors will also have access to a spectacular viewing area within the roof; reached by lifts located in the buildings structural cores, offering a unique opportunity to view the stand, racing and the City of London beyond, inverting the traditional hierarchy found at most racecourses. The other buildings on the site including stables, pub restaurant, crche and fitness centre will share a similar language to the curved form of the grandstands roof.
The proposed design will be examined during a 4-week long public enquiry in May 2001, during which all interested parties will be able to voice their opinions. A judgement is expected in September 2001. If successful, the racecourse will open in the autumn of 2003.
Credits:
Client:
Wiggins Group plc
Architects:
Foster and Partners
Project Team:
Norman Foster
Ken Shuttleworth
Robin Partington
Jason Parker
Francis Aish
Johan Belmans
Anna Bergbom
Xavier De Kestelier
Judit Kimpian
Tamara Hall
Jacob Norlov
Michiel Verhaverbeke
Hugh Whitehead
Structural Engineers:
Adams Kara Taylor
Quantity Surveyors:
Cyril Sweett
Landscape Consultants:
The Landscape Partnership
Environmental:
WSP Environmental
Racing Consultant:
Tom Clarke
Ecology Consultants:
Ecological Services Limited
Planning Consultants:
Weatherall Green and Smith
Traffic Engineering:
Buchanan Consulting Engineers
Acoustic Engineering:
Acoustic Air Limited
Lighting Design:
(External floodlighting)
WSP Environmental
Fire Engineering:
Arup Fire
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