Newton Abbot Racecourse will be unveiling its £250,000 new look racecourse on Monday when National Hunt racing returns to the Devon track for the first meeting of 2011.

Developments have been carried out during the winter months which will see racegoers introduced to a new alfresco catering outlet serving the paddock and course enclosure. It includes a new canopy-covered decked seating area.

There is a new toilet block next to the family enclosure and a number of trees have been planted along the course and paddock enclosure thoroughfare.

One big change for the public driving to the course on Monday is a new entrance off Greenhill Way, Kingsteignton – the way into the former Teignbridge Bowls Centre.

The change from the entrance off Kingsteignton Road, opposite Tesco, follows the recent confirmation of the new Premier Inn development at the site – the racecourse making a number of changes to make way for the new hotel.

The racecourse car park has also been moved to the centre of the course, where there is space for more than 2,000 vehicles.

Pat Masterson, the racecourse managing director, said that like all racecourses, the leisure pound was very important. 'Each year we have to look at the areas where we need to spend money to be able to attract more people and make Newton Abbot a great day out for all our customers.

'2011 is set to be a big year for the course. Not only do we have an extended season, but the new hotel development will help enhance the profile of the racecourse on both racing and non-racing days. The onsite accommodation will allow us to cater for multi-day conferences and compete with some of the more established conference venues in the region,' he said.

After Monday's meeting there is a fixture at Newton Abbot on Sunday, March 20.