Lindum’s sensitive and sustainable transformation of York Racecourse’s historic Bustardthorpe Stand has won the coveted Sustainability Award at the 2025 York Design Awards.
The award, a special judges’ prize, recognises projects that go beyond design excellence to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Bustardthorpe project stood out for its thoughtful refurbishment of a Grade II-listed grandstand, originally built in 1913, and its seamless integration of green technologies and sustainable building methods.
Delivered by Lindum York as part of the wider Southern End redevelopment, the work included the careful refurbishment of the stand’s interior and hospitality areas, including the William Hill shop, Tote outlet, and a newly extended Theakston Bar. The improvements retained the building’s historic character while introducing modern, efficient systems and finishes that reduce its long-term environmental impact.
A major feature of the sustainability effort was the construction of a 900-square metre lawn and canopy adjacent to the stand. Designed to enhance the visitor experience while supporting sustainable operations, the canopy collects rainwater through its supporting legs and stores it in a 16,000-litre holding tank. This ‘grey water’ is then reused to flush the stand’s toilets, dramatically reducing water usage during busy race days.
Judges praised the project for its holistic approach to heritage and sustainability, highlighting the use of energy-efficient materials, rainwater harvesting, and design that supports both biodiversity and long-term usability.
The redevelopment was officially unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Camilla during the 2024 Sky Bet Ebor Festival, where she cut the ribbon on the refurbished stand and met members of the racecourse and project teams.
Lindum York Managing Director James Nellist said: “We are delighted that the Bustardthorpe Stand redevelopment has been recognised with the Sustainability Award. This was a complex and sensitive project, and the result is a facility that honours the racecourse’s history while delivering real environmental benefits. Huge credit goes to the entire design and construction team for their expertise and commitment.”
The project was crowned winner despite strong competition from high-profile developments including York Minster’s Centre of Excellence for Heritage Skills, which took home the Lord Mayor’s Award – the evening’s top honour – and the York Mix People’s Choice Award.
Other winners at the 17th annual York Design Awards included Raffles Hall in the large residential category, Eden House in Earswick (winner of the Young People’s Choice Award), and the Cocoa Works, which scooped the Public Realm Award.
York Racecourse Chief Executive William Derby said: “We were so pleased to win this award which ties in so well with our Green Knavesmire 300 strategy and all the hard work everyone put into this aspect of the development. We were delighted that everyone’s hard work on this project was further recognised by another award.
“Last Saturday we welcomed the biggest attendance we have had since we opened the area around this time last year. With an attendance of over 28,500, all areas of the Bustardthorpe development were in use and enjoyed by racegoers. The area worked even better than we hoped and planned it would and it was hugely satisfying to see the new life we have collectively breathed into this area being enjoyed by all.”
The awards ceremony, held at the CityScreen Picturehouse, was supported by headline sponsor O’Neill Associates and additional sponsors including York Civic Trust, York Conservation Trust, Simpson and Brown and the York Architectural Association
