Bespoke Hotels Ltd has signed heads of terms with Newbury Racecourse for a ten year management contract of the racecourse’s new 120 bedroom hotel which is set to open in 2014.
The hotel is part of a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme of the 320 acre, 105 year old racecourse site which received outline planning consent in April this year.
The hotel, named The Newbury, will be owned by Newbury Racecourse plc and operated by Bespoke Hotels Ltd, to further the vision for Newbury Racecourse to develop a truly 365 day a year business and become a prized one-stop-shop venue in the lucrative conference and events business.
The Newbury will also cater for local residents and businesses, as well as enhancing the experience of the 200,000 annual racegoers with a 100 cover bistro restaurant, coffee shop, and bar which will become the heart of the new residential community on the site.
Says Sarah Hordern, Joint Managing Director of Newbury Racecourse, “The Racecourse is a very special venue – Newbury is a Grade 1 racecourse, with stunning views over acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside. Whilst on non race days The Newbury will be targeting the conference and events market, we wanted to steer away from a corporate style hotel offering and find a partner hotel which echoed our character and unique offering. Bespoke Hotels offers us that and more.”
Adds Bespoke’s CEO Haydn Fentum, who together with partner Robin Sheppard owns 100% shares of Bespoke Hotels Ltd, “A site like Newbury Racecourse, with over a century’s heritage but with dynamic and progressive redevelopment vision, needs a one in a million hotel offering. The Newbury will sit apart from the monotonous style of corporate hotels, and will offer memorable interiors and a focus on excellent service. It will become the perfect destination for a racy weekend away or a refreshing venue for corporate events and hospitality.”
The Newbury will enhance the offer and support the drive for incremental revenue for the racecourse’s existing conference and events business, providing facilities for large multi-day and residential events. With a forty minute proximity to London, Newbury Racecourse competes with London venues but is also the largest conference and events centre in Berkshire. Newbury Racecourse currently has over 3,800 sq. metres of event and exhibition facilities catering for 1,000 delegates in one area along with 40 breakout rooms and ample outdoor space for temporary facilities.
The racecourse’s Party in the Paddock season, which hosts three live concerts a year on key race days, including Westlife and Simply Red, has further raised the profile of Newbury Racecourse to a wider audience.