A YORK construction group will see its latest development showcased to thousands this week as York Racecourse unveils its new enclosure at this year Dante Festival.

Racing at the city’s attraction kicks off on Wednesday when visitors will get the chance to see the results of a £5 million upgrade to the grass infield area.

The work has been carried out by Lindum Group, which also carried out the racecourse’s North End redevelopment.

Lindum’s York team has delivered two toilet blocks at either end of the grass banking, twin canopies either side of the famous Clocktower that offer catering and betting facilities as well as some racegoer cover, improved access for pushchairs and wheelchairs plus a refurbishment of the turnstiles.

The former Course Enclosure has been renamed The Clocktower Enclosure, which references the Listed building that enjoys an unrivalled view of the racing action.

Lindum’s team described the scheme as “an architectural challenge”, with the need to preserve the near 100 year old Listed building while ensuring the new facilities are raised out of the flood plain. All the work has been carried out in a Heritage and Green Belt setting.

Lindum Director James Nellist said: “Following on from successful redevelopment to the Northern End of the Racecourse, we are delighted to continue our excellent relationship with York Racecourse by handing over the new facilities on the Clocktower Enclosure in time for the Dante Festival 2018.

“As a York based construction company our staff who have battled with the weather throughout the winter, will be enjoying a day at the races to celebrate what is an exceptionally high quality facility for the racegoers of Yorkshire”.

Working closely with the City of York Council planning and conservation officers, taking guidance from Historic England, the design team has managed to retain the core features while adding modern infrastructure.

Speaking about the development William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the Course, said: “The course enclosure has always been an important and popular part of racing at York.

“We are delighted to have made this investment in this area of the course and I very much look forward to seeing generations of racegoers enjoy the enhanced facilities. It has taken a real effort by the construction and design team, in the face of some pretty miserable weather, and I thank the 300 or so workforce who have been on site to complete this scheme on time and on budget.”