York Racecourse is delighted to have won a York Design Award for the first phase of the Northern End Redevelopment of the course.

Successful in the "non residential - large" category, the scheme designed by Brendan Phelan and built by Lindum of York, topped a shortlist of diverse projects that included a Park & Ride site and the redevelopment of the former Judges Lodgings in the city.

As the Awards were for projects completed by December 2014, the judges only assessed the first phase of the work at the Knavesmire with the new pre-parade ring, new saddling boxes, washdown facilities, horse welfare unit and the rotunda building for winning connections, being the main elements.

The Chairman of the panel of expert judges, Julian Bicknell, made particular mention of the effective use of space and the way the project successfully addressed having buildings with quite diverse functions in close proximity. The inclusion of detailing such as the trademark barber poles, or Yorkshire Roses crafted into the ventilation spaces, also drew positive comment. From a professional perspective, the judges considered that it was “miraculous” to have achieved so much, to such a high standard, in the short timeframe of a single closed season.

Speaking about the award, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course William Derby said, “We’re thrilled to receive this prestigious award and delighted that the judges noted both the vision of the development and those little touches that we think communicate its quality. There are so many people who have worked so hard to deliver this scheme, so I shall only name one, architect Brendan Phelan, can feel a very proud man.”

Racegoers who visit York this season will also be able to enjoy phase two of the scheme which includes the new Weighing Room with the Parade Ring Restaurant above on the first floor, new Moët Pavilion with ground floor champagne bar and first floor roof terrace, the refurbishment of the Grade II* Listed John Carr building with overarching canopy and re-landscaped lawns, walkways and pathways all the way from the former weighing room to the new Sir Henry Cecil Gates at the northern end itself.