THE next phase of a multi-million pound development at York Racecourse is galloping ahead and is expected to be ready in good time for the new racing season in May.

The £10m scheme’s latest stage includes construction of the new Weighing Room, along with the Parade Ring Restaurant and Moët pavilion and Champagne bar.

Also to be completed in the latest round of work is a refurbishment of the Grade II* listed John Carr building, which will feature re-landscaped lawns, walkways and pathways.

York Racecourse marketing manager James Brennan said: “The Northern End Development has been an ideal project for York in that it started with improving things for horses and horsemen and now it moves onto improving them for spectators.”

The new Weighing Room’s structure is crafted to a bespoke design, featuring work by York blacksmith Don Barker, and gives race-goers a better view of the weighing process.

Features of the Parade Ring Restaurant, for which bookings are already being taken, will include a dedicated entrance and feature roof window.

James said: “I think generally it will be an improvement in the experience of racing, which is how we see it.”

He added that the redevelopment was as much about providing a better day out for keen race-goers as it was about bringing new punters to the course.

Last year saw finishing touches made to the initial stages of the redevelopment, which included the installation of a new pre-parade ring, along with modern saddling boxes, and vet treatment and wash down areas.