Ascot Racecourse is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom. Founded over 300 years ago, the racecourse hosts over 26 race days throughout the year, including the five-day-long Royal Ascot – the highlight of the summer social season for the equestrian world.

In 2004, Ascot Racecourse began a £200 million redevelopment of its complex to make it the best racecourse in the world. Laing O’Rourke was chosen as the main contractor on the ambitious and unique project.

57,000	8,000	10,000sqm
capacity of the new grandstand	viewing capacity of the  new Parade Ring	of glass as part of the galleria

The focal point of the new complex was the 57,000-capacity grandstand. Designed to reflect the hill on which it sits, the 400-meter-long grandstand curves down from a central high point towards each end, blending in with the surrounding landscape.

The arc-shaped design provides spectators with an incredible view of the track, bends, mile start, Winning Post, and further afield to Windsor Great Park and even views across London.

An internal galleria was also incorporated into the build, bringing natural light into the covered public concourse and providing an even-tempered environmental shelter at the heart of the building.

As part of the complex redevelopment, a fully integrated hotel was built within the grandstand facilities, providing additional viewing boxes on race days. A new parade ring provides stepped viewing for 9,000 spectators, while a new Silver Ring tented village with viewing terraces provides closer views to the track than ever before.

As part of their work on the project, Laing O’Rourke utilized Asite’s project management platform to optimize workflows and enable collaboration on all documents associated with the project while also ensuring they remained secure. The platform also allowed Laing O’Rourke to archive all information relating to the project for any future requirements.

Following the closure of the racecourse for 20 months and the demolition of the old grandstand, Ascot Racecourse redevelopment was completed in 2006 - on time and ready for the Royal Ascot meeting that year. The improved facility has eight restaurants, 265 hospitality boxes, and the capacity for 57,000 racegoers. The royal box was also improved and can now seat 60 guests with prime views of the winning post. The grandstand underwent further alterations following the reopening to further improve the facilities and viewing for spectators.

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