Gold Coast Turf Club plans huge revamp inspired by Dubai’s world class facilities
IMAGINE watching live racing from a luxury hotel room overlooking the Gold Coast Turf Club. It’s set to be reality under a plan to redevelop the club. And it’s not all they’ve got planned.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PUNTERS will be able to watch live racing from a hotel room overlooking the track as the Gold Coast Turf Club moves to mirror Dubai’s world-class equine showpiece.
The bold venture is part of decade-long plan to make the club the city’s premier entertainment precinct.
The turf club has revealed a large revamp that will include a hotel, residential property, $8 million light installation, track upgrades that include a synthetic polytrack and redevelopment of the “Dome” venue, betting ring and carpark.
The club told the Gold Coast Bulletin of the plans as it yesterday announced a historic three-year naming-rights deal with Aquis Australia, headed by Hong Kong billionaire developer Tony Fung.
As part of the deal, it hoped to have racing under lights within two years. It already has a business case with Racing Queensland.
The Bundall track’s multi-million dollar refit has been inspired by the spectacular Meydan Hotel at Dubai Racing Club.
Complete with a rooftop pool, the hotel overlooks the track.
Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said the completion of the masterplan would make the facility a hotspot for social and entertainment seekers on the Gold Coast.
“You can see what we are doing, not only from a racing perspective, but the whole equine and entertainment areas of the precinct,” Lines said.
Aquis Australian CEO Justin Fung revealed the lure of being part of the planned developments — worth hundreds of millions — played a key part in the decision to join the turf club.
“We are very excited about the club’s masterplan for the precinct and we see a number of opportunities to be involved,” Mr Fung said.
“The site has significant potential for value-added development including hotels, apartments and entertainment facilities.
“While there are no specific arrangements related to specific projects we look forward to work with the Club as the facility is expanded.”
The Gold Coast Turf Club is freehold owner of the land it wishes to develop and would push for a large percentage of any revenue garnered from improved infrastructure.
The club posted a $1 million deficit in the 2015/16 financial year but is forecast to post a small profit in 2016/17 before the Aquis deal bolsters its financial standing in the next 12 months.
“The club has been through some tough times and a lot of people worked really hard to get this done,” Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said.
“We are a big cruise ship, it takes a bit of turning but I think we have it pointing in the right direction which is a big plus.”
Simple holiday booking hack that we all forgot about
Forget about how many shopping days until Christmas, it’s time to start saving for summer holidays … and it might not be as tough as you think
First look: Inside Gold Coast’s newest Asian-inspired restaurant
The southern Gold Coast will be home to the city’s newest Asian-inspired restaurant featuring sushi, pork buns and beef dumplings. See the exclusive tour inside