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Racecourse Weighing Room Adaptations

Ali Bell • February 7, 2025

An initiative identified by a cross-industry group of racing bodies is underway across all British Racecourses to update and modernise their weighing rooms in line with jockey’s needs as athletes. The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) have set a number of key goals that need to be met in order to improve these facilities, with objectives that are designed to ensure the safety and welfare of jockeys, while also modernising and improving the weighing rooms to bring them up to date with the latest standards. 

 

The first and most immediate priority is to ensure the weighing room is a safe and secure environment for jockeys. The BHA have identified a number of measures which must be taken in order to ensure the current and future safety and welfare of jockeys of all ages and genders. These include the installation of private changing and showering facilities, shared communal rest, food provision and warm-up areas for jockeys. In addition, they have specified that any changes to the weighing room must be made in consultation with jockeys, racecourse staff, and other stakeholders. This ensures that any changes are tailored to meet the needs of all those involved in the sport. 

 

Part of the modernisations will also include new communal working spaces for jockeys’ valets that can be accessed from both the male and female dressing rooms independently and to retain sufficient flexibility to adapt the changing room sizes based on the varying participants on any given raceday and to changing societal needs. 

 

We were delighted when we were commissioned to work on the first racecourse weighing room redevelopment and unveiled these exciting new performance facilities at Leicester Racecourse in May 2022.  The first racecourse to open with a warm-up performance and equipment area, we designed and produced the development to support jockeys as the elite athletes they are and continue to do so across the country. 

 

The brand-new gym area is equipped with a range of exercise tools aimed at ensuring jockeys are physically ready to compete and support against injury. The weighing room itself is a much more spacious area can also be extended when and if required by way of folding wall doors. The new communal relaxation area has comfortable sofas and excellent improved catering area, supporting the nutritional, physical and mental health needs of the jockeys. The medical room is a much more usable and comfortable space where injuries can be treated quickly and efficiently if necessary. 

 

Shower arrangements are much improved with private changing and shower areas in both the male and female changing rooms and these measures will help safeguard and support the needs of all current and future generations of jockeys regardless of ages or genders, underpinning the future of the sport for generations to come. 

 

With extensive experience working within the racing environment across the country, we at Craggs Architects are committed to helping racecourses not only meet these objectives but are delighted to have worked with stakeholders to ensure that the changes are in line with the latest standards and are sympathetic to the existing architecture and history of the weighing room. 

 

By October 2024 all weighing rooms should have these new adaptations in place and as we are very experienced in these changes, would be delighted to work with you and your teams to safeguard and future proof the next generation of athletes in our sport and all racecourse facilities. 

 

KCA Architecture Ltd (ARB) (RIBA) 

www.kca-architecture.co.uk 

E: info@kca-architecture.co.uk 

 

KCA are hiring!

By katie • February 14, 2025
Due to a number of new commissions, KCA are looking to recruit a new member to the team. KCA Architecture Ltd are an up-and-coming architectural practice situated at Aske Stables, just outside of Richmond, in the heart of North Yorkshire. We manage projects of all sizes, from bespoke, one-off residential schemes to large-scale commercial developments and looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Architectural Technician/Architect to join us. Key responsibilities and tasks are: · Lead and contribute to the design and delivery of a variety of projects, small and large, from inception through to completion. · Engage directly with clients, consultants, and contractors to ensure the successful delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to a high standard. · Produce high-quality drawings, models, and detailed specifications. · Use Revit for design development and documentation, ensuring that the design intent is maintained throughout the project lifecycle. · Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including planning and building regulations standards. · Support other team members. Skills, Experience, Requirements: · Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in the sector in architecture or technology. · Have experience of running projects on site. · A solid understanding of the UK Planning System and Building Regulations. · Proficiency in using Revit. · Have a UK driving license and car The role will be based in the office at Aske Estate in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday but can be flexible for the right person.  Please get in touch today if you are interested in joining our team at; info@kca-architecture.co.uk

KCA Architecture Celebrates Civic Award Win

By katie • January 31, 2025
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‘Architect’ is a protected title but what does this mean?

By katie • January 30, 2025
To Architect, Chartered Architect or Architectural Designer, that is the question and it’s a very important one! When considering your renovation or build project you may be uncertain which professionals to hire and the roles of an architect, chartered architect and architectural designer can be confusing. They may sound similar, however there are important differences that you need to know before you proceed. Who exactly is an Architect? The term ‘architect’ is an actively protected title by law in the UK (under the architect’s act 1997) and can only be used by those persons who have the necessary qualifications and are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). The ARB is the UK’s regulatory board for architects, and they are appointed to ensure all registered members have both the required qualifications, uphold relevant legislation and have adequate professional insurances. Architects combine both creative and scientific skills to design plans, to produce technical drawings and to oversee the construction of the whole build. They are responsible for assessing environmental impacts on surrounding areas, for the sustainable operation of the build and for the safe construction and long-term durability, so it’s no wonder the path to become a fully qualified architect is a rigorous route. If you are looking to turn your aspirations into reality an architect will guide you through the planning, design and construction process with creative flair and impartial thinking to bring your visions to life. So who is a Chartered Architect and how is that different to an Architect? A chartered architect is registered with ARB meaning they are legally allowed to use ‘architect’ as above. However, they are also registered with the Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA) which means they are also legally allowed to use the title Chartered Architect and the RIBA suffix. RIBA Chartered Membership is not obligatory nor is it a legal requirement. However, RIBA has respected and stringent requirements for accreditation and those with chartered status show a demonstrable dedication to the profession and to delivering customer and design excellence with a commitment to their continued growth and development. As part of the RIBA criteria architects are required to submit CPD (continuous professional development) evidence every year to ensure they are up to date with the latest technology, materials, methods and eco-friendly considerations. What does that mean for an Architectural Designer? The most obvious difference is accreditation. An architect is a licensed design professional, and an architectural designer is not. If someone is not on the architects register, they are not a UK architect. However, whilst here is no requirement for a designer to be trained or licensed, a good designer will have alternative qualifications such as an interior design degree, project management qualifications and so forth. They may even have followed the same qualifications as an architect but decided not to continue with the full accreditation route. Both architects and architectural designers are heavily involved with the design process of the project and with both talented in their field, often a designer will work alongside larger registered architect practices on big scale projects. Who do I choose? In short, an architect or chartered architect is a regulated, registered trained professional licensed to practice architecture and who design, develop and oversee the construction of physical structures and buildings. They are committed to executing best practice in employment policies; Equality Diversion, Inclusion; Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality Management committed to growth and development. An architectural designer on the other hand refers to designing and planning a physical structure, creating functional and aesthetically beautiful designs but you need to be aware that they are unregulated with no guarantees they are able to deliver the required service. So, it is good practice to check the insurances they hold if you decide this is the route you prefer to take on your project. For further information about the Architects registration Board please visit; https://arb.org.uk/ KCA Architecture Ltd (ARB) (RIBA) www.kca-architecture.co.uk E: info@kca-architecture.co.uk
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