The “home of horse racing” received a new grandstand.

In 1711, Queen Anne founded Ascot, the world’s most famous racecourse. With a main building that was 40 years old and several considerably older ancillary buildings, the racecourse urgently needed renovation in 2004. A new grandstand forms the centerpiece. An interior gallery brings daylight into the building.

A hotel integrated into the stands offers additional spectator boxes on race days.

With a total budget of GBP 180 million, the renovation, announced in the summer of 2002, was at the time the largest project of its kind in Europe.

Undoubtedly, the focal point of the new design is the new grandstand with its daylight-illuminated gallery. This gallery is surmounted by an umbrella-like roof construction, which is intended to mirror the form of the trees lining the racecourse. The new facilities have turned Ascot into a premier international sporting venue, highlighted by GIG’s grandstand façade.