THIS image shows how Worcester Racecourse’s grandstand could be transformed into an upmarket hotel overlooking the River Severn.

The ambitious multi-million pound scheme for Pitchcroft is the vision of a consortium, fronted by retired Worcester businessman Clive Parkes.

The plans, which are today being revealed by the Worcester News, are for the current grandstand to be demolished and the new one to be part of a giant futuristic-looking glass building, including a four-star hotel that would feature:

• 140 beds across four floors

• Dining areas on each floor for a total of 200 people

• A balcony overlooking the river, and grandstand viewing over the finish line for racegoers

• A conference centre seating up to 600 people

• A car park in the centre of Pitchcroft, which could be used for hotel users and for visitors to potential new events at the racecourse such as music festivals

Mr Parkes, 65, who was previously chairman of county firm John Goodman and Sons, and was a key figure in helping bring Waitrose to the city, says the consortium has already held initial talks with Arena Racing Company (ARC), which manages the site, and landowners Worcester City Council.

Mr Parkes, from Himbleton, says the group estimate the cost would be £75 to £100 million, but was confident this would not be a stumbling block.

"Investors are out there for a project like this, and would be guaranteed a good rate of return," he said.

"It is fully costed, and we have a hotel operator interested."

If the scheme came to fruition, it would return a hotel to the racecourse site.

The Grandstand Hotel and its accompanying grandstand was demolished in the mid-1970s in a redevelopment scheme that brought a new grandstand complex and a river sports centre.

Mr Parkes said the scheme could be part of a wider plan to reinvigorate the city, potentially linking it to a secondary proposed development of a food centre and bars underneath the railway arches, and a future Worcester Green Skywalk across the River Severn – which was proposed by One Creative Environments Ltd in 2015.

Mr Parkes said: "We are proposing a glass structure, including the grandstand and private boxes, with a conference centre seating 500-600 people.

"Pitchcroft is the ideal site. It is next to the river, walking distance to the city, and this can be part of ‘picking up’ the river-front area.

“When you have a decent hotel you get people staying in the city and spending money. It could be used for weddings, conferences.

"The idea is to bring the river into play again, tidying up the area, and adding value to Worcester, which currently languishes behind all obvious rivals in occupancy and spend.

"Worcester is unique and should be on all tourist's wish lists. We also see this as helping revive the High Street.

"It will lead to more investment – it is aspirational. This is a dream to make the whole area better.”

ARC's press team declined to comment.