Arena planning major upgrade for Worcester

Plans to bring Worcester racecourse into the 21st century with an upgrade to facilities are being considered by Arena Racing Company which manages the track.

One of the oldest tracks in Britain, racing on the current Pitchcroft location close to the banks of the river Severn dates back to the early 18th century.

While Worcester City Council maintains ownership of the land and management of the maintenance of the grass area in the centre of the racecourse, Arc took over the management of the course in 2000 and has revealed plans to invest in the track’s future, with facilities for racegoers and horsemen looking increasingly dated.

Although firm plans have yet to be submitted to the council for consideration, discussions have started.

“It’s at a very early stage but we are looking at a range of possible options for investing in the facilities, which would benefit the racecourse and the local community,” revealed Arc director of external affairs Susannah Gill.

With the track located on a floodplain, officials have had to live with the threat of severe flooding when the Severn bursts its banks, with pictures of canoeists going past the winning post with the track submerged making a splash in 2014.

Gill added that Arc is awaiting news from Newark and Sherwood District Council on the application for floodlights at sister track Southwell, with an update expected in November.

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