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***Malcolm*** · 01-02-2015, 01:59 PM

Work has been going on to upgrade the media area at the main TT Grandstand in Douglas.

The building, which incorporates not just the Grandstand seating but the control tower for the races, a conference and briefing area, machine scrutineering area as well as race and riders’ retirement offices, was built in the 1980s.

Building work has been going on since November. Disabled access is being improved with ramps to the conference area and to the tower. In addition the leaking conservatory section at the front of the press office is being replaced with an improved reception area. This will be extended and an additional entrance incorporated at the other side of the tower. Leaking windows are also being replaced in the tower itself.

A spokesman for the TT organisers said the work was expected to be completed around the end of February, in plenty of time for the TT.

The work is the latest in a number of upgrades in the Grandstand and paddock area in recent years as the popularity of the TT has grown again. Other recent work includs more electrical hook up points for campers in the paddock, building shops into the ground floor area beneath the grandstand and levelling the grass area that accommodates the beer tent during the TT Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT periods.

The current start and finish line on Glencrutchery Road was first used in 1920, whereas the races had begun and ended in 1911 on Quarterbridge Road between Selborne Drive and Alexander Drive. A plaque on the wall was unveiled in the 2011 Mountain Course centenary to mark the precise spot.

In 1914, the startline moved to the top of Bray Hill, before moving back again towards Noble’s park in 1920.

In 1926, the old wooden Grandstand, fondly remembered by many, was built and remained in position until the 1980s. But safety fears caused by the Bradford City stadium fire in 1985 prompted its replacemen, incorporating the control tower, pit lane and refuelling area. This was completed for the 1986 TT.

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