WORK is underway on the St Mary’s Land masterplan in Warwick.
An new entrance is being created to the common land and racecourse marking the first step in a masterplan which includes a cycle path from Hampton Road to Saltisford Brook; improvements to footpaths and parking; a new play area next to the Forbes estate; and public toilet facilities at both the golf club and Racing Club Warwick, and improved drainage and flood defences.
Landscaping for the grade-II listed Hill Close Gardens on Bread and Meat Close has also been included in the redevelopment proposals.
The new entrance will see the old brick ticketing buildings replaced with a new main entrance building for the racecourse and landscaping including trees, paving and grassed areas replacing the worn tarmac.
The masterplan was drawn up following a two year consultation process with the St Mary’s Lands Working Party – made up of the Corp of Drums, Friends of St Mary’s Lands, Golf Centre, Hill Close Gardens, Warwick Racecourse, Racing Club Warwick Football Club, Warwick Town Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Warwick Society.
District council spokesman Noel Butler, a member of the St Mary’s Lands working party, said: “After many years of planning and consultation, we are very pleased to see that work is now underway.
“Having received positive support for our plans from local people during the consultation, we are confident that the improvements which will be made are going to make a big impact for regular users of the lands and visitors alike.”
Andre Klein, manager of Warwick Racecourse and also a member of the St Mary’s Lands working party, was equally pleased to see work start.
He added: “I’m delighted to see that our ambitious plans to improve and regenerate St Mary’s Lands are now taking shape.
“The design for the new main entrance to both St Mary’s Lands and the racecourse reflects our vision to create an attractive entry point which blends in with the natural character of the surrounding landscape and provides improved access to and from the town. I am sure that local people will be very pleased with the result.”
The plans have not been without controversy, most notably proposals for an hotel with up to 100 rooms.
Despite opposition, councillors did include a possible hotel within the masterplan, to be located on the site of the current marquee, near the racecourse stands, opposite Warwick Cricket Club.
The council will further consider proposals for a hotel, subject to consultation and planning requirements.
