Aintree racecourse, home of the Grand National meeting, has announced plans for a £30m redesign and redevelopment of its facilities.

The two-phased project is being designed by Building Design Partnership and will include the building of two new grandstands.

Other projects include the construction of a new stable complex and a new permanent Aintree pavilion.

A planning application for the work was submitted to Sefton Council on 5 May and work is expected to begin immediately after the 2005 Grand National.

Charles Barnett, managing director of Aintree racecourse, said: “We have spent a great deal of time and effort evaluating how the racecourse facilities are used and have been working closely with BDP to enable us to redevelop the site.”

The new grandstands will be built adjacent to the existing Queen Mother Stand and will be linked by a central walkway and two-tiered bar areas.

In each stand, terracing for 1,400 will be provided at ground level, while facilities will also include a bar, catering, betting amenities and a medical room.

A restaurant with 640 covers will be situated on level one, while levels two and four will provide seating for 790 race goers.

Level three will be host a hospitality suite, overlooking the racecourse, for 360 diners.

In total, the development of the two grandstands will increase Aintree’s capacity by 4,380, with an extra 2,800 standing and 1,580 spaces made available.

John Halewood, owner of Amberleigh House, winner of this years Grand National, said: “Increasing permanent grandstand capacity must be a good idea, as the Grand National meeting is becoming increasingly popular.”

The new 10,000-capacity Aintree Pavilion will include a bar, catering and betting facilities and will replicate the existing temporary structure.

Construction work will be take place in two separate phases, either side of the 2006 Grand National meeting.

The first phase that includes the Aintree Pavilion, will commence immediately after the 2005 meeting and is due to be completed before 2006.

The second phase – the construction of the two grandstands – is due to be completed for the 2007 Grand National. Details: www.aintree.co.uk