Moonee Valley Racecourse: Tote Park unveiled as part of $2b redevelopment

Tote Park, stage one of the mega makeover of Moonee Valley Racecourse, has been unveiled – with a little bit of help from some Moonee Ponds Primary School children. Check out what’s on offer.

The half hectare Tote Park, located on McPherson Street in Moonee Ponds, is the first deliverable to be completed within the $2 billion, 40-hectare redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse. Paul Hameister OAM, Executive Chairman of Hamton Property Group (left) and Don Casboult, Chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club (right)

Tote Park, the first stage of a $2 billion redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse, has been unveiled.

Moonee Ponds Primary School students rolled up their sleeves to plant some of the 67 trees that feature in the nature-inspired playground with a lavender maze, interactive sculptures and climbing frames.

Once complete, the racecourse project will include 2000 dwellings and more than 20ha of new open space.

Hamton Property Group, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club opened the park to the public this week.

Executive chairman of Hamton Property Group Paul Hameister said the COVID-19 lockdown has shown Victoria needs to invest in community areas to improve liveability.

“This investment to deliver Tote Park is one small piece in the rebuilding of Melbourne, better than before” he said.

“One of the key areas of investment we need more of is the creation of new open space – both passive and active in our inner and middle-ring suburbs.

“A survey by the Victorian National Parks Association revealed that over 50 per cent of Victorians value access to natural areas and parks more as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.”

Students from Moonee Ponds Primary School Primary School planted trees with their families to Tote Park’s official completion

The park includes 67 new mature trees, 315 shrubs and approximately 4,000 ground cover plants, visually transforming the street.

The park maintenance will initially be managed by the racing club groundskeeper staff and later be placed into local council care.

Map of Tote Park, located on McPherson Street in Moonee Ponds. Source: Moonee Valley Racecourse.

The heritage listed Tote building built in 1931 will be restored into a cafe and venue which will open in 2021.

More information visit www.mooneevalleypark.com.au

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