A CONTROVERSIAL new Cheltenham Festival fan village has been scrapped after it received just 16 bookings.
A “unique accommodation village” had been created in part with Cheltenham Tigers RFC to allow punters to stay “within minutes” of the racecourse at the rugby ground.
It boasted “real mattresses” and was set to cost a whopping £1,800 for a five-night stay – leading to claims of “exploitation” from racegoers online.
The temporary facility offered rooms in pop-up container units and was advertised as a cheaper alternative to other nearby hotels and B&Bs.
However, the Racing Post has confirmed it has now been shelved ahead of next week’s Festival as just 16 of the 300 accommodation places were booked.
They report that only eight units were due to be used – but at least 20 were required in order to avoid a loss.
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However, not to be deterred, plans are already in place to relaunch the fan village in 2024.
Oliver Williams, managing director of part-organisers StayLets, said: “It was a challenge.
“We had about 50 per cent of what would have been viable to break even and it simply wasn't worth it.
“It was always a bit of a gamble but we still think it's a very good idea and there's a market for it.”
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Prices in nearby hotel rooms have rocketed as anticipation builds for the biggest week in the racing calendar.
But this now axed new glamping-style experience caught the eye of some regular racegoers on social media.
One of them was renowned owner Carl Hinchy, who posted a screenshot of a five-night stay costing £1,800.
The description for a stay at SL Quad said it had “four single beds per unit” with “real mattresses and bed linens (no towels provided).”
A photo of the accommodation showed four single beds packed closely together.
A brief on the property read: “Accompanied by luxury shared toilet and shower blocks, situated at Cheltenham Tigers RFC, a short walk from the racecourse.”
Hinchy wrote on Twitter: “My God! This makes £8 a pint look good value! Total and utter exploitation!”
He added: “It’s camping with four single beds and a shower shared between four people. This exploitation of racegoers has to stop.”
However, not everyone agreed as other argued that they thought the price was reasonable.
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