WORK is well under way on the new entrance building, set down areas and offices at Waterford and Tramore racecourse.

The new building, which will cost in the region of €300,000, was designed by the Waterford-based architects, Pat Halley & Associates. It is exactly 30 years ago this spring that Patrick Halley established the firm.

Following a competitive tender process, David Flynn Ltd Building Contractors was appointed in January as the builder for the project. Based in Waterford and Dublin, the firm has a worldwide reputation and has completed work for many international brands. The firm’s principal David Flynn enjoyed Cheltenham success in the Triumph Hurdle with Scolardy.

From a racegoers perspective, the new entrance will provide a canopy to the front to give visitors protection from the elements while waiting to enter, and will also house the racecourse administration offices. The entrance building will be Wi-Fi enabled to facilitate the online e-ticketing system and turnstiles, which will ultimately lead to a more efficient entry process.

Waterford and Tramore racecourse director Karl Casey said: “This is an exciting time for Waterford and Tramore racecourse, as we continue to roll out our million-euro capital development programme, part funded by Horse Racing Ireland. The new entrance building will ensure a superior sense of arrival, enhance racegoer’s comfort and they can also enjoy amazing views of Tramore Bay upon arrival at the racecourse.”

Horse Racing Ireland’s chief executive Brian Kavanagh added: “Visitors to Tramore racecourse, both racegoers and industry professionals, will really see the benefits of the significant improvements planned and we are happy to provide grant aid to facilitate these worthwhile projects. Tramore is a very popular, well-run racetrack and it is great to see them committed to improving facilities for racegoers, jockeys, trainers, owners and stable staff.”

This work follows the €250,000 upgrade to the middle stand which involved completely replacing and extending the steps, the installation of a new commentary box and a photo-finish unit. The 12-foot windows in the stand provide a panoramic view of Tramore Bay. Prior to the completion of the stand the racecourse unveiled a new parade ring which has been well received by all.

Eighteen years into her role at Tramore and general manager Sue Phelan is as enthusiastic as ever.

The continuing work on upgrading the racecourse ensures that she is kept on her toes, and making the recent investment pay its way means that she is constantly thinking of new ways to attract visitors to the seaside venue, and expanding the list of sponsors and racecourse supporters.

While embracing all the latest technology and systems available to help spread the message about Tramore, Sue is a great believer that the best advertisement for the racecourse is its audience. “I’m a great believer in ‘word of mouth’ as the best tool to promote racing at Tramore, and that is why we do our best as a team to ensure that everyone coming through our turnstiles enjoys our day,” she said this week.

With the new entrance building on track for an early 2018 unveiling, the racegoers experience will start as soon as they arrive.