Designed by Dominique Perrault, winner of an international competition launched by France Galop in 2011, the architectural project seeks to enhance both the built and green heritage of this temple to horse racing, which dates back to 1857. The surface area of the project is almost 11 hectares, out of a total surface area for the site of 55 hectares. 

The operation consists of demolishing all the existing stands and replacing them with a single stand 160 metres long, which will be topped by a panoramic glass building incorporating a 21-metre overhang. The capacity of the racecourse will be increased to 70,000 with the construction of five new buildings. To meet international standards in terms of the comfort and hospitality services adapted to satisfy the expectations of various customer profiles, 17 VIP boxes will be created along with 57 private boxes, a reception space and catering facilities specially for owners, and zones accessible by the general public and racecourse gamblers.

“The choice of Bouygues Bâtiment Ile-de-France following a tendering process has ensured that France Galop has a partner with renowned expertise. This will be a great benefit to us for the construction of the New Longchamp, which will be a showcase for the excellence of French flat racing” said Thierry Delègue, Chief Executive of France Galop.

Bernard Mounier, Chairman of Bouygues Bâtiment Ile-de-France, said: “We are very proud to have been chosen for this complex project, which will give this historic site a new lease of life. Our expertise in sport and leisure infrastructure will enable us to meet our customer’s objective of making the New Longchamp a showcase for the excellence of French horse racing.” 

The modern, modular New Longchamp will be environmentally responsible, in compliance with the Bois de Boulogne Charter and the Climate Plan for the City of Paris. It will have dual HQE® (High Environmental Quality) certification – HQE® for tertiary buildings and HQE® for indoor environment – combined with lifecycle analysis (LCA) on the building to be renovated. A large part of the site’s consumption will be satisfied by energies from renewable sources, with the installation of photovoltaic panels and geothermal heat pumps. The buildings will be energy-efficient thanks to the installation of passive energy devices: effective insulation, natural ventilation and natural lighting. Efficient water management will also help to reduce the facility’s operating and maintenance costs.

Bouygues Bâtiment Ile-de-France will run the construction site so that it has very low environmental impact, with optimal waste management and reduced pollution relating to the works. The racetrack itself and the trees lining the circuit will be subject to specific protection measures during demolition.

The works, which have recently begun, will involve roughly 450 people working on site at peak periods. Handover is scheduled for September 2017, allowing the New Longchamp to prepare for the 96th running of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October 2017.

About France Galop
France Galop plays a crucial role in organising around 7,300 flat races and steeplechases in France each year. It seeks to encourage breeding and training with the aim of improving racing bloodstock. It is also responsible for organising such internationally celebrated racing events as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Prix de Diane Longines and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris.