GALWAY Race Committee has received planning approval for a substantial redevelopment of the enclosure to the north of the parade ring.

The upcoming development represents an overall investment of €6 million by the racecourse, including all ancillary services and fit-out. As part of the redevelopment project, the existing long, narrow Tote Ireland building will be demolished and replaced with a new structure incorporating a betting hall and bar/food facilities.

Galway manager Michael Moloney says the development will “vastly improve” the enclosure around the parade ring and bookmakers ring.

Construction of the new building will begin immediately after this year’s summer meeting with a launch date ahead of the 2018 festival.

The two-storey building will feature a large, open- plan betting hall with capacity for up to 550 racegoers on the ground floor, with Tote Ireland betting counters on three sides and a large betting shop on the fourth side.

Externally, there will be 46 Tote Ireland betting windows, with the majority facing the racetrack. The windows will be set back to provide weather protection to racegoers.

The top floor will host a bar with capacity for 450 people. It will open onto a large covered terrace overlooking the parade ring, betting ring and part of the racetrack. A sizeable portion of both upstairs and downstairs will be dedicated to new toilet facilities.

Moloney said: “We are delighted to receive approval from Galway City Council for our next redevelopment to add to the first-class facilities we have here at Galway. The Committee at Galway has always been proactive in continuing to improve the facilities and this latest €6 million development will significantly improve the racegoer experience which is paramount to maintaining Galway’s position as one of the highlights of the summer racing calendar.

“Each year, the Summer Festival puts Galway on the front pages and provides an extraordinary €54 million boost to the local economy.”