PLANS to redevelop part of York Racecourse have been given the go-ahead by planners.

The £4m scheme will see the racecourse’s listed 100-year-old clock tower refurbished, and new toilet blocks and food kiosks built at the venue.

City of York Council has now formally approved the plans, which were developed in consultation with Historic England and local conservation and heritage groups.

Under the refurbishment, the clocktower - designed by York architects Brierley and Rutherford - will be repainted and repaired, and a new staircase will be installed to improve access to the inside of the tower to allow guided tours.

Clerk of the course and chief executive William Derby said: “It is an area of the racecourse which generations of families and racegoers enjoy.

“This scheme seeks to address the challenges of the facilities which are located on the infield. It will improve both the physical buildings and standard of facilities for our Course Enclosure racegoers.”

The new-look facilities are expected to be open next year.