Overview

With a multitude of events, from horse racing and polo to show jumping and festivals, Chester Racecourse attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Over the past 5 years, Chester Racecourse has installed a series of white canopy roof structures in several locations around the Parade Ring and Grandstands at a cost of around £0.5 million.

Structures
A large selection of Single and Double Conic Signature Structures were chosen to cover the barbeque and refreshments areas, in addition to focal points for entrances and exits. The simple all-white colour theme effectively defines those areas and provides light and airy year-round shelter for spectators.

In addition to the Conics, the new Azure Hypar (Signature Structure) was installed oversailing a food & beverage building.  The Azure has integrated drainage with downspouts to ensure a dry space on rainy race days.  Lighting was added allowing the structure to glow with brilliance at night-time.

Smaller bespoke structures were installed over entranceways using both Barrel Vault and Hypar designs.

Products vs. Design & Build
Most of the canopies at Chester Racecourse are Products selected from our Signature Structure Range.  This range consists of 40 pre-designed/engineered and ready to specify tensile fabric structures. Using product is a great way to save money, yet cover multiple areas.  

However, if a product just won’t work – because of a very specific special requirement, our design & build team can make something bespoke to the space.  

Words from the Head of Property at Chester Racecourse
“The canopies are visually pleasing, creating quality spaces under and around them.  This has allowed us to add new bars and catering outlets - all under shelter. Race goers now have permanent covered areas (offering protection from both the hot sun and rain showers) to enjoy the race.

Chester Racecourse is very pleased with the overall impact of the canopies - which is why we keep adding them year after year.  They have helped in our long term strategy of raising the quality and experience of a day at the races.” Chris Clayton