FAQs

The feedback window closed in April 2022. All feedback, suggestions and concerns that have been gathered are being reviewed in more detail by the project team as we consider our next steps. We will update this website as we have further updates.

This is a new approach for us. We want to have a conversation about ideas for the long-term prosperity of Newmarket as a town, as the world’s pre-eminent racing and breeding centre, and for British racing more widely. We want to share some ideas which we think could play a part in giving all three a bright future and see what people have to say.

We want to start these conversations at a point when people’s feedback can have an impact.

The West Suffolk Local Plan process is underway, looking 20 years into the future. It will be considering how Newmarket and the surrounding area might change in that time, and what might be required in terms of how land is used.

By having conversations now and sharing ideas with the Newmarket community and the racing community, we can consider whether, and how we might wish to contribute to the Local Plan process.

All the information that’s on display in Newmarket is available online and there is a dedicated contact email and telephone number for those who want to get in touch. The consultation will be open for at least 3 weeks afterwards so everyone has the chance to contribute if they want to.

Absolutely not – there are no formal proposals, timelines, processes or even plans to create them at this stage. These are ideas, and we want feedback on those ideas before we do anything else.

The concept we have in mind is not just a racecourse. It could create a way for young trainers to start in the industry in an affordable way, as well as a year-round facility which is sustainable, durable and which lessens the impact on existing turf facilities, as well as giving owners more chance to see their horses train.

That would be determined by the Local Plan, and an objective impartial assessment by West Suffolk Council of what is needed. We are at a very early stage of this concept so aren’t at the stage where we are able to give definitive details with regards to the number of houses, the key thing for us at this stage is to understand the local community’s view on the concept, as a whole.

It is more that we have a suitable facility which we think could deliver a cinema for the town, and a boost to the high street, should it come to fruition. Should the concept proceed it would be managed entirely separately from The Jockey Club, our involvement would purely be with regards to providing the facility and location for it to take place.

The location we have found is one which could give a huge boost; both by providing a park for everyone to enjoy at the times they want to, but also by delivering green space in a location which is currently not being utilised but which could produce a tranquil and ecologically diverse space.

Facilities could include a BMX Park, Playground and plenty of wildlife for the local community to enjoy and learn about, as well as space to relax and woodland trails to provide tranquil surroundings.