Jockey Club Racecourses (JCR) has announced the sale of a portion of land at Haydock racecourse for housing development.

Following the approval of outline planning consent from Wigan Council, JCR sold a 6.55-acre area, previously used as an overflow car park, to Rowland Homes for the construction of 84 houses.

JCR emphasized that the development on this "non-core" land, referred to as the ‘Shark’s Fin’ due to its shape, will not interfere with racing activities at Haydock.

Stuart Mitchell, JCR's managing director of group property, stated, "We are pleased to complete this sale and reinvest the capital into the business and British horseracing. Racecourses offer unique and attractive settings for new housing, and we look forward to Rowland Homes delivering this quality project, which includes a mix of three- and four-bedroom family homes, both semi-detached and detached."

The British racing’s largest commercial group was advised by global real estate services provider Savills during the sale process.

The development will be independent of the racecourse, featuring its own access route. Two houses owned by JCR will be demolished to make room for the new homes.

Mitchell added, "This sale is part of the Jockey Club’s broader real estate strategy to generate capital and new rental income through asset and development management on non-core racing land. We also aim to enhance our racing infrastructure. We envision racecourses as not only top-tier sporting venues but also as appealing destinations for future residents to live, work, and play."

Image Google Maps with highlighted land parcel