WORK is underway on a £5 million project to restore Brighton Racecourse to its former glories.

The first part of the cash injection will see a £1.3 million transformation of facilities at the track in time for this year's season.

During the next two months teams of builders will work on the historic course, which was founded in 1783.

The aim is for the renovations to be finished before the first meeting on April 29.

The project includes:

A total of 12 new hospitality suites overlooking the course and sea.

The reopening of a derelict tote building to create spectator boxes which will be rented out on an annual basis.

A new parade ring.

A new owners' and trainers' bar.

The course will also have new entrance gates, a new balcony bar with views over the track and sea and two refurbished restaurants.

Another tote building will be demolished and a trackside road will be built to keep emergency vehicles off the course during racing.

The work is part of a four-year renovation programme to rebuild the entire course.

Racecourse managers Northern Racing have stumped up the revamp cash.

Spokesman Phil Bell said: "We're not just doing it for racing - we want this facility to be available all year, for antique fairs, Sunday markets, exhibitions and wedding receptions.

"We've had a lot of good reaction from the town."

Northern Racing boss Stan Clarke has already transformed Uttoxeter and Newcastle racing tracks with multi-million pound revamps.

His company owns 81 per cent of the course, with Brighton and Hove Council owning the remaining 19 per cent.

Mr Clarke, 65, said: "When we went into partnership with the council we made commitments to improve everything that is good for the race track."

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