Kempton Park racecourse could be saved from redevelopment if it achieves heritage site status, according to local MP Lincoln Jopp. The Conservative MP for Spelthorne secured a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday on "the Future of British Horseracing," attended by MPs, trainer Nicky Henderson, and a government representative.
Threat of Closure Since 2017
The home of the King George VI Chase has been under threat since the Jockey Club announced plans to sell the land for housing in 2017. Although that project was shelved, an agreement was struck with Barratt Redrow, giving the builder the option to take over the site in the future. Last week, Jopp told residents that Barratt Redrow would move ahead with plans before the end of the year, but the builder later stated it would not happen this year and that it was continuing to consult with the local council.
Heritage Site Proposal
Jopp said he was "delighted with the amount of support" across parties and from all parts of the UK, and "particularly pleased with the minister's comments" in response to the debate. He added: "I look forward to going away and examining those in great detail and for the follow-up meetings that she's promised with various other ministers in order to understand the regulatory landscape into which Barratt Redrow would be plunging themselves."
He expressed suspicion that Barratt Redrow would wait until Spelthorne Borough Council ceases to exist next year, when it is subsumed into West Surrey and South Middlesex, reducing local opposition. "I'm going to go away and look at what the minister said in greater detail, particularly about it becoming a heritage site. I think the fact that Desert Orchid’s ashes are buried there is reason alone to protect the space," Jopp said.
Support from Racing Community
Jopp noted the depth and breadth of support he received: "It's a fantastic race course and I have been utterly blown away by the amount of depth and breadth of support I've received both in the community but most astoundingly from all across the region. I’ve had a constant procession of emails and phone calls from the most distinguished names in racing. I think I referred to them in the debate as racing royalty and I'm thoroughly delighted with that."
