Royal Randwick Racecourse to get $42m Winx Stand
A decision has been made on a proposed $42 million Winx Stand at Royal Randwick Racecourse. The Australian Turf Club put forward the plans in honour of the champion racehorse.
Southern Courier
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Royal Randwick Racecourse will unveil a new $42 million stand next year in honour of legendary racehorse Winx.
The Australian Turf Club was given approval this week to build the Winx Stand at the historic racecourse.
It will have capacity for 7500 patrons on race days and will stand two-storeys tall and over 100m long, with completion of the project estimated during the second half of next year.
It will also feature a link bridge to the adjacent Queen Elizabeth (QEII) Grandstand which is the main grandstand at the racecourse.
The stand will be built in honour of the retired racehorse who cemented her place as one of Australia’s greatest sporting icons by winning 33 races in a row.
Last month, the NSW Department of Planning fast-tracked the project to help create jobs and boost the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The development (will) improve the ongoing use of the racecourse and promote it as a world-class racing venue by significantly enhancing the amenity for patrons during race-day events,” the approval determination stated.
“The development (will) provide a range of benefits for the region and the state as a whole, including a capital investment value of $41,926,000, creation of over 150 full-time jobs during construction and approximately five full-time jobs and 50 casual jobs during operation.”
The original proposal stated the stand would make use of the existing Leger Lawn located directly in front of the multi-deck carpark.
“(Leger Lawn) is under-utilised and contains no permanent structures but often has temporary marquee structures installed for large scale race-day events,” the proposal read.
The stand will primarily be used by general admission patrons on race days but can also cater for functions, corporate events, exhibitions and UNSW examinations.
The stand will include three large halls across two storeys, food and beverage facilities, and an outdoor terrace on level one.
A laneway will also be built between the new stand and the multi-deck car park.
Royal Randwick Racecourse has a long history in Australia’s racing culture with the first recorded horse race on the site in 1833.
The racecourse has undergone significant upgrades in recent years including the QEII Grandstand and Theatre of the Horse facilities both completed in 2013.
The multi-deck car park, which includes race day stalls, was completed in September 2018.