Caulfield racecourse poised to undergo $300 million transformation

Caulfield racecourse is poised to undergo a $300 million redesign in a bid transform the current facilities and enhance the experience for visitors. SEE THE DESIGNS.

Caulfield racecourse is poised to undergo a $300 million transformation.

Caulfield racecourse is in line for a $300 million transformation.

The Melbourne Racing Club is to outline to its members its vision to “redesign the racing and event experience for visitors” to the course with “new state-of-the-art facilities.”

The proposed upgrade includes a new grandstand, a second racetrack, new spectator entrance, horse stalls and parade rings.

If the plans are approved, Caulfield would become the third major metropolitan racetrack to be revamped.

Moonee Valley Racing Club is engaged in a $2 billion project that involves a new grandstand, redeveloped infield and reoriented racetrack.

And Flemington last year opened its $120 million Club Stand.

The first stage of the Caulfield revamp could start by year’s end.

As well as presenting its plans to members the MRC is to update them on Sandown, the club’s prized second metropolitan racetrack.

It may apply to rezone freehold land at both Caulfield and Sandown, possibly changing it from being in a “special use zone” to a “comprehensive development zone.”

Caulfield racecourse is poised to undergo a $300 million transformation.

Speculation about Sandown’s future has been intensifying, but it is understood the MRC has no plans to develop it into a training centre.

Training will stop at Caulfield in November 2023, so 18 hectares in the infield can be redeveloped for public use.

Club-owned land on the course’s western perimeter has been earmarked for residential redevelopment.

The Hiskens and the Norman Robinson stands will be redeveloped.

“The MRC vision will give Caulfield a world-class racing experience for members, guests and our equine and human athletes,” chairman Peter Le Grand said.

“The new racing facilities will be built with members and participants at the forefront of our mind.

“This vision ensures a strong, viable horse racing industry for not just this generation but future generations of horse racing fans. Our vision and desire is to make Caulfield the most popular racing, sporting and entertainment centre in Australia.”

MRC chief executive Josh Blanksby said Caulfield would also position itself to hold university exams for nearby Monash students and host events and conventions.

The proposed upgrade includes a new grandstand, a second racetrack, new spectator entrance, horse stalls and parade rings.

The Hiskens and the Norman Robinson stands will be redeveloped.

“This vision provides great certainty to the local community, who will benefit from 18-plus hectares of open spaces for greater use when training departs,” he said.

“The MRC looks forward to continuing to work with the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust, Glen Eira Council and the broader community to maximise the public value of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.”

Jake Norton, the MRC’s executive general manager of racing and membership, said any decision “to seek rezoning of our freehold land” would provide “flexibility and facilitate opportunities to build a world-class facility at Caulfield”.

“The rezoning process has no bearing on the racing activities at Sandown for the foreseeable future,” he said. “All current activities at Sandown, including use of the car racing track, remain as is.”

MORE NEWS: DEADLY FLU CLAIMS LIVES IN VICTORIA

‘ECO TOURISM’ ATTRACTION TO RENEW ALCOA MINE

SEABED TELESCOPE TO UNLOCK UNIVERSE’S SECRETS

Any changes to Sandown usage would “require consultation with the State Government, Racing Victoria and, ultimately, support from the MRC membership,” he said.

Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said the MRC “has developed a master plan that centres on making Caulfield Racecourse a truly world-class racing and entertainment venue, and we are pleased to offer our support for their vision.

“We’re looking forward to working with the MRC on their vision in the years ahead,” Mr Thompson said.

[e-mail]