Cottenham Racecourse Grandstand to get new lease of life as family home

A historic former racecourse grandstand is set to get a new lease of life as a family home.

Approval has been given to convert the Cottenham Racecourse Grandstand into a four-bedroom home.

The grandstand was originally built around 1925. The developer, Dakin Estates, said the historic building has become “neglected” and has been vandalised in recent years.

The developer said the conversion of the grandstand into a house would be done ‘sympathetically’ and would preserve the building for the future.

In planning documents submitted as part of the application, the developer said: “The grandstand is a solidly built edifice which dates back nearly 100 years.

“Internally, there are already elements similar to domestic accommodation and infrastructure.

“This building maintains associations with the long history of amateur horse racing at Cottenham, and is therefore deserving of preservation by sympathetic conversion to become a fitting memorial to local history, the history of horse racing as well as to the sporting heritage of Cambridge University.”

South Cambridgeshire District Council has approved the plans to convert the grandstand.

A report published by the authority said the redevelopment would “bring the buildings back into use”.

It said: “The buildings are not currently in use and have suffered from a lack of general maintenance.

“This proposal will repair and restore the buildings and their setting and secure their long term preservation.”