WETHERBY Racecourse have announced plans for a new £3.2 million new stand.

The West Yorkshire track intends to replace the old Members' Stand, which was opened 55 years ago, with a new modern building that will be next to the Millennium Stand.

Proposals have been submitted to Leeds City Council for planning approval and, should permission be granted, the redevelopment could be completed as soon as the spring of 2017.

The present stand is home to one of two betting shops at the racecourse, the owners and trainers bar and the paddock viewing gallery, as well as the press and media room. In addition, the judge's box, photo-finish cameras and the racecourse commentator are all located on the roof.

The new development will include public bar on the ground floor, incorporating a new betting shop, two new public bar counters and more refreshment outlets, together with steppings and external viewing.

The first floor will provide facilities for owners and trainers and the second floor will supply hospitality for larger private parties or a premium space for premier enclosure racegoers looking for a grand view of the racecourse.

The top floor will provide essential accommodation for race meeting integrity services including the judge, the photo-finish facility, the side-on television/video camera positions and the racecourse commentator.

Designs have been created by Yorkshire architects, Harris Irwin Associates, and Wetherby plan to build the new stand while staging its usual racing programme. There are no plans to temporarily transfer fixtures to other racecourses.

It is proposed that works will start in June next year, after the Flat fixture on May 24.

Jonjo Sanderson, Wetherby's chief executive and clerk of the course, said: "We hope that everyone involved with Wetherby Racecourse will agree that this impressive redevelopment project will complement the other areas of extensive modernisation that have taken place at the racecourse during the recent past and that it will create one of Yorkshire's premier and more attractive sporting, leisure and business facilities."

The new season starts tomorrow with the annual Spinal Research Charity Raceday.