Fontwell Park could get £5m grandstand

Plans by architect AFL need to be approved by Northern Racing, the owner of the racecourse, and planning permission will then be needed from Arun District Council but it is hoped work can begin towards the end of this year, with the new stand ready to open in autumn 2009.

The aim is to build a striking grandstand for the future but above all one in keeping with the surroundings. It would replace the track's premier enclosure grandstand, three Lawn Suite hospitality boxes and an old press room building.

It is likely that the ground floor of the new stand would be a big betting hall with a long bar down one side and a food area serving food and drink faster than at present.

On non-racing days, it would double up as an exhibition hall.

For full feature see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette January 23