More than £416,000 of government funding has been secured to help restore Richmond’s historic racecourse grandstand and bring it back into public use.
The Grade II* listed building at the former Richmond Racecourse on Low Moor is believed to be the world’s oldest surviving stone-built building of its kind.
Historic England has worked with the site’s owners, the Burgage Pastures Committee, to develop plans for the building and helped them secure a £416,944 grant from Defra, administered through the Rural Payments Agency.
Built from about 1775 and likely designed by renowned architect John Carr, the grandstand was once the focal point of Richmond Racecourse.
It remained in regular use until racing at the course ended in 1891.
Since then, the building, along with the nearby Zetland Stand, constructed in about 1883, has suffered lengthy periods of disuse and deterioration.
The grandstand was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2019.
Planning permission and listed building consent have now been secured for work to repair, consolidate and partially reconstruct both structures.
The project has been designed by conservation architects Donald Insall Associates, with an 18-week programme of work expected to begin in late summer.
Contractor Pinnacle Conservation has also offered to hold public demonstration days during the project, showcasing some of the traditional building and conservation skills involved.
Historic England said in a letter to North Yorkshire Council that it was “very excited” by the proposals, describing the old grandstand as being of “high architectural, artistic and historic interest” and providing an insight into the development of British horseracing during the 18th century.
Tom Frater, Historic England’s regional director for the North, said: “The Old Richmond Grandstand is an iconic structure and a key focal point of the great heritage of horseracing in North Yorkshire and across the country.
“We are delighted to support the plans to bring the grandstand and the Zetland Stand back to some of their former glories.”
Robin Dundas, Marquess of Zetland and chairman of the Burgage Pastures Committee, said the funding was “really exciting news for Richmond”.
He added: “After many years, the buildings on the old racecourse will be gradually transformed and opened up to become another visitor attraction for the town.”
Holly Spilsbury, senior architect at Donald Insall Associates, said the Old Grandstand had been closed to the public for more than 50 years.
She said the conservation work would allow the landmark to become accessible again so it could be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
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She added: “From time spent on site surveying the building, it is clear how much it is valued by the local community. We are excited to oversee the conservation works and make it accessible once again, so it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”
North Yorkshire councillor for Richmond, Stuart Parsons, the restored grandstand would be a “stunning” building.
“The project to restore the grandstand has always rumbled along in the background because it’s hidden from sight; not too many people get too worked up about it, but it would be fantastic to get it back into public use again.”