Secretive Plans for Kempton Park Amid Potential Housing Development
Kempton Park's all-weather track, known for its profitability and the popular King George VI Chase, faces uncertain future due to potential housing development plans. The Jockey Club, which operates under a royal charter with a governance described as feudal in nature, holds a 2018 option with developer Redrow to purchase the Kempton site for redevelopment. Although no concrete plans have been announced since 2025, Redrow could exercise this option.
Initial plans from the Jockey Club envisioned constructing around 3,000 houses on the site near the M25, featuring a rail link to Waterloo. Opposition to the 2017 proposals led to a 2020 alternative proposal from racing interests for 500 houses, while racing activities continued. The Jockey Club's chief executive, Jim Mullen, stated that Kempton is effectively “out of my hands” and acknowledged the existence of Redrow's option without revealing new development details.
A government planning and infrastructure bill awaiting royal assent could reduce local planning powers and potentially weaken green belt protections, further influencing the site's future. If the Jockey Club decides to sell Kempton, it could use the proceeds to build a new all-weather track at Newmarket, funded by the sale.
Kempton remains one of the most profitable race tracks in the Jockey Club's portfolio, contributing significantly through media rights income from off-course betting.
