Cheltenham Grandstand

The redevelopment of Cheltenham Racecourse includes a new five-storey Grandstand and basement. Kier Construction were the main contractor for this project which presented a number of different challenges. This included connecting the Grandstand to existing buildings and logistics issues, as the site has a programme of events and day to day operations which needed to continue with as little disruption as possible. Therefore work needed to be planned in phases around race meetings, including a visit from the Queen. The site had to be closed down and secured before and during each race meeting. Our site teams needed to ensure the site was tidy and clean, ready for these race dates.

Product Description

Working with Kier Construction, we delivered the structural steelwork for the Cheltenham Grandstand. Partway through the project, the client changed the design so we worked together with Kier Construction to introduce a composite construction, utilising metal decking for the internal floors, while the balconies and terraces were steelwork, supporting bespoke reinforced concrete units which incorporate viewing steps and a white Dolomite finish.

The new Grandstand has a 6,500 seat capacity and it will also see the creation of elevated walkways to the rear of the grandstand, to ease mobility for spectators. The new Grandstand is an independent structure but it is linked to the adjacent stand providing easy public access. It gains its stability from a combination of vertical bracing, rigid frame action, and diaphragm action through composite floors. All of the bracing is located within stair and lift cores that are located in the back-of-house area of the stand.

Founded on piled foundations, the five-storey structure includes a part basement and is predominantly based around an 8m × 11m grid pattern. This grid is replicated in the roof structure and provides the boxes and hospitality areas with large flexible column-free spaces.