New London dirt track will clean up

"This was a fantastic opportunity to deliver on the higher expectations of a modern leisure audience. I went back to first principles to ensure London City racegoers won't have to seek out their entertainment, as at other tracks, but that it would be presented to them, like theatre."

The grandstand will be 37 metres high with what Partington describes as a "sinuous, curvy roof" which will focus attention on the winning post. The track will be a left-handed oval with two shoots to accommodate different race distances. The exact all-weather surface is yet to be decided, with research in that field making strides all the time.

But the key difference will be the positioning of the parade ring, winner's enclosure, saddling boxes and racecourse stables. Rather than being hidden away in far-flung areas of the racecourse, these key elements of the racing entertainment will be placed directly in front of the grandstand, in full view of all racegoers.

As in the US, the runners will be stabled in barns on the back stretch of the track, opposite the stand. They will be led under the track via tunnels - thus avoiding the problem of crossings on the track affecting the racing surface - and enter a sunken parade ring between the set-back stand and home stretch. Facilities for owners, trainers and jockeys will be tucked under the finishing line, with bookmakers, Tote booths and covered betting facilities close by.

"Our clients are keen to attract the racegoer of the future and are aware that a raceday as it is now can be very difficult for a novice to under-stand," said Partington. "At London City, the linear progress of what makes a race - the before, during and after - will be played out directly before racegoers' eyes. A family could take a table in the restaurant, not move from it, yet not miss a thing."

London City is keen to avoid mistakes made by other racecourses, such as Newmarket where last year's Millennium Grandstand stood accused of sacrificing the needs of ordinary racegoers on the altar of corporate hospitality. This anti-elitist design caters for 20,000 people - half within the stand and half outside, each with tailored viewing facilities.

There will be a flat admission fee, currently projected at £15, with racegoers paying only for the facilities they use. These include three main dining areas - a tiered restaurant, corporate hospitality boxes and a banqueting room - each with a capacity of 2,000. Bar and food outlets will also be provided for those seeking to eat more informally.

"The grandstand turns the received hierarchy on its head because the best views will be from the viewing gallery on the roof which will be open to the ordinary racegoer," said Partington.

"It offers a stunning view of the racetrack and parade ring below, but also of Fairlop Plain and the City beyond.

"The site is green-belt land in name although it's more like a brownfield site, covered with gravel pits and bin bags. But it was essential that the stand fitted into the landscape. At 37m, it's not nearly as high as most and lacks the usual obstructive masts. I believe it responds to all the environmental needs of the area."