NSW Government approves seven storey hotel development at Royal Randwick Racecourse

A multimillion plan to build a seven storey hotel and gaming areas at Royal Randwick has hit the home straight despite critics claiming it will lead to excessive traffic, noise and anti-social activity.

A multimillion plan to build a 4.5 star hotel at Royal Randwick Racecourse has hit the home straight after receiving the final tick of approval from the NSW Government.

The Department of Planning has given the green light to a proposal by the Australian Turf Club to build a $150 million hotel and restaurant development overlooking the finishing post at the hallowed eastern suburbs racetrack.

The seven-storey complex will include 190 hotel rooms, a restaurant, function rooms, and a registered club known as the Jockey Club’ which will have a bar and gaming areas.

ATC chief executive Matt Galanos has said the project would cement Royal Randwick’s reputation as a premium racing and entertainment precinct, as well as providing jobs for the local economy.

He said it would also benefit visitors from interstate and overseas who will be able to enjoy world-class racing.

A concept image of the hotel development.

The approval comes after the plans generated a mixed response from some nearby residents with concerns the development could exacerbate traffic around the racecourse.

There were also concerns the addition of gaming and entertainment areas could lead to anti-social behaviour, intoxication, “public disturbances’’ and noise within the surrounding area

But in approving the plans, the Department of Planning found the “impacts on the community and the environment could be appropriately minimised, managed or offset to an acceptable level”.

An overview of the development.

The hotel will also have an operation plan to address noise, alcohol and crowd management.

The department – in its approval – further found the development would not result in adverse traffic impacts – predicting just six vehicle trips would be generated from the development during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

Other features of the project include a ground level foyer, a gym, swimming pool, terrace spaces, and landscaping works.

The development will stand seven storeys tall.

A total of 384 direct jobs will be created by the development which is expected to generate more than $28.9m each year to the NSW economy.

Local councillors previously clashed over the proposal with Greens councillor Rafaela Pandolfini voicing objections to the inclusion of gaming rooms.

Independent councillor Noel D’Souza – however – said the development would “help strengthen” a “sense of community” and continue to make Randwick “a vibrant and interesting place to live”.

A photo of the current site which will accommodate the development.

The Department of Planning found the proposal would “not result in adverse social impacts relating to gambling”

“The applicant’s commitment to the implementation of a health and wellbeing management plan (relating to gambling harm) and Randwick being in a lower risk region for problem gambling serve as a strong mitigation framework that renders gaming related harm unlikely to occur,” the department stated.

“The project would provide a range of benefits for the region and the state as a whole and weighing all relevant considerations, the project is in the public interest.

“It would provide purpose-built tourist and visitor accommodation which would significantly enhance the facilities of the site for patrons and visitors during race-days and non-race days.”

It is understood the hotel will partly complement separate plans by the Australian Turf Club to increase the number of night racing events at the racecourse.