RACECOURSE PLANS APPROVED BY SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
COUNCIL APPROVES RACECOURSE PLANS 
AMBITIOUS plans to turn Ayr
Racecourse into not only one of the top racecourses in Europe but
also one of the most prestigious leisure destinations in the
country have been approved by South Ayrshire Council.
The multi million pound development includes a conference centre,
cinema, new bar, restaurant, housing and retail units and work
could start as early as the autumn.
Councillors unanimously agreed that the exciting and ambitious
plans
would be of huge economic and social benefit to the town as well as
putting Ayr on the map both as one of the premier horseracing
venues in Scotland
- and in Europe.
Speaking after approval was granted yesterday, Chair of the
Regulatory Panel on South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Nan
McFarlane said: "I'm absolutely delighted these plans have
been approved. South Ayrshire Council has worked hard with Ayr
Racecourse to agree a modern, dynamic and landmark building."
During the meeting, councillors were shown plans and drawings of
the
proposed development that also includes a racing academy, museum,
hotel and casino.
Councillor McFarlane continued: "The new building will have a
sweeping front, with curves designed to mimic the sea. New car
parking, covered walkways and landscaping will provide guests with
a real sense of arrival, making a visit to the races and Ayr a
truly memorable occasion."
Councillor Hugh Hunter, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said:
"I warmly welcome the news that this proposal has been
approved. Ayr Racecourse is important to Ayr and I am pleased that
a conference centre is a key development among the many exciting
projects planned.
"There are clear economic and social benefits that go with Ayr
being positively promoted as a conference town. I am keen to see
this happen and to maximise that potential for all residents in
South Ayrshire."
Ayr Racecourse Chairman Alan Macdonald commented : "This is
great news not only for Ayr Racecourse but for the racing industry
as a whole.
"Richard Johnstone and I bought the course almost five years
ago and have already spent millions upgrading facilities now this
planning approval means we can finish what we have started and
firmly establish Ayr as one of the best in Europe."
Last month a new £4.5 million Grandstand Sports Bar and a new
Owners Bar were opened at the course and on non race days Ayr
Racecourse is building a reputation as a top conference centre and
will host the Scottish Conservative Party conference later this
month.
Ayr is now also known as a concert venue and rock legends Status
Quo will headline Burns Rock At The Racecourse there on Sunday May
24.
Current News
FIRST FLAT MEETING OF SEASON ON MAY 21
FIRST FLAT MEETING OF SEASON AT AYR
AYR Racecourse holds its first flat
meeting of the year on Wednesday May 21 with a seven race card
coming under starter's orders at 2.00 pm.
First race is the
Info & book
NEW SPONSOR CONFIRMED FOR AYR GOLD CUP
JOHN SMITH'S TO SPONSOR AYR GOLD CUP[IMG: 498 height="220" alt="AYR GOLD CUP" width=
"165" align="right" border="0" name="498"]
JOHN Smith's is to sponsor the
Ayr Gold Cup Festival, Scotland&
Info & book
TOP CORAL NATIONAL CROWD FOR 30 YEARS
CORAL SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL ATTENDANCES HIT RECORD HIGH
OFFICIAL attendance figures for the
2008 Coral Scottish Grand National Festival at Ayr Racecourse were
the highest for more than 30 years.[IMG
Info & book