Contract Details

Ffos Las racecourse is the first National Hunt course to be completed in Britain for over 80 years. The 600 acre complex is situated near Trimsaran, in west Wales, on what used to be the largest open cast mining site in Europe. The all-weather, oval track is one mile and four furlongs in length, in line with Jockey Club specifications, and will host both National Hunt and Flat racing meetings.

The site was acquired by Ffos Las Limited (a company within the Walters Group) in 2002. Walters UK, as principal contractor, has managed the design and construction of the racecourse facility and infrastructure works, serving residential and commercial developments.

Walters UK appointed Atkins, Hyder, Powell Dobson, Pryce Ecologists, PSD and White Young Green to undertake the design. All relevant approvals were obtained from Carmarthenshire County Council and the Environment Agency to allow construction to commence in June 2006.

In addition to the management of the planning, design, and technical approvals, Walters UK also acted as CDM Coordinator. The project included the following works:

• 1.2 million m³ of earthworkusing satellite control
• Stabilisation of former mine workings
• 2 miles of 60m wide Racetrack construction
• Two integral reinforced concrete highway bridges, 2 km roads, 2 roundabouts and parking
• Drainage, foul pumping station and off-site rising main and pumping station
• River diversion, storm water attenuation and flow control structures
• Storage lagoons, abstraction pump house and racecourse irrigation
• Extensive off site water, gas and electricity services
• Stables and technical buildings and accommodation