$570m plan to transform Caulfield Racecourse

Fresh details have emerged in a long-running plan to revitalise one of Melbourne’s premier race tracks.

Nature-based play and picnic areas would be created at Caulfield over 15 years under the plan. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve would be opened up as a community precinct 10 times the size of the MCG under a plan to revitalise the top-tier horse racing track.

Sports fields, walking tracks and community gardens would be built as part of the “people-friendly” space, with the strategy launched today by the Andrews Government.

But the transformation still has a long way to go to get shovels in the ground, with only half of the $570 million pricetag secured, via the Melbourne Racing Club.

Under the plan, first reported by the Herald Sun in June 2020, access to all areas of the reserve would be improved, with some parts currently blocked to the public opened for the first time.

Nature-based play areas and picnic areas would be created over 15 years.

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said new laws in 2017 created the potential for the racecourse area to “become a truly inclusive open space”.

“This plan is a significant milestone in this journey,” she said.

“I look forward to seeing the plan come to fruition and thank the (Caulfield Racecourse Reserve) Trust for their continued efforts in promoting the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve as an accessible, inclusive public space for the community to enjoy.”

Trust chair Sam Almaliki said the plan had been developed after community and stakeholder consultation.

“The Reserve of the future will be the centre of community life: a community and events destination of state significance with an enduring reputation as a premier thoroughbred horse racing venue.”

Glen Eira Council is being contacted for comment.