First look inside Flemington’s new $128 million stand

THE home of the Melbourne Cup has had a seriously glamorous facelift. The Herald Sun has this first look inside the stunning new Club Stand at Flemington racecourse. SEE THE PICS.

THESE sneak-peek images exclusively reveal the stunning world of sports and entertainment that awaits racegoers at Flemington’s long-awaited new $128 million Club Stand.

Jockey Craig Williams, racing royalty Gai Waterhouse and model Rebecca Harding. Picture: Alex Coppel

The Victoria Racing Club will tomorrow open the curtain on its state-of-the-art grandstand, unveiling a new standard for restaurants, bars, viewing areas and dining spaces over five levels.

But the Herald Sun scored a behind-the-scenes preview of the groundbreaking new venue with racing royalty Gai Waterhouse and star jockey Craig Williams, who both said it set a new global standard.

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Waterhouse said the new precinct was like nothing else in the racing world.

“It’s the most stylish, beautiful, modern, spacious, comfortable … what else can I say — it’s divine,’’ she said.

“I go to all the race tracks of the world, my husband I, and this is just gorgeous.

“It’s in a league of its own.’’

The new Lobby.

The Arbour.

Model Rebecca Harding at the Bluegrass Bar. Picture: Alex Coppel

The new Club Stand exterior.

A rooftop garden overlooking the famous Flemington track and the CBD, champagne bar, bakery, two premium restaurants, eight bars and three casual dining areas feature in the development.

Sweeping views of the Melbourne skyline, winning post and an expanded mounting yard are visible throughout the stand which features 14 different types of stone and 23 specially designed carpets.

Stunning view from the rooftop.

The Dining Room.

The Bluegrass Bar.

The Roof Garden on level four will boast two alfresco bars with showpiece kitchens extending onto an expansive deck with spectacular views.

“This is a stand that will still be very modern 20 years down the track,’’ Waterhouse said.

A sweeping staircase will greet punters in a grand arrival lobby with a Lawn Bar, premium dining space named The Byerley and Straight Six bistro serving gourmet share plates also likely to be popular.

Inside the Members Bar.

The Byerley.

Williams compared the “amazing’’ revamp to the rebuild of Rod Laver Arena and said it put Melbourne on the map globally as a racing mover and shaker.

“For entertainment and getting people to come now you have to have nice venues,’’ he said.

“It’s just the way of the future that you have something brand new and innovative, warm in winter and fantastic in summer to accommodate a good spectacle.’’

The Furlong Bar.

Straight Six.

The Lawn Bar.

The Bakery.

Paddock Bar.

VRC chairman Amanda Elliott said a “landmark destination’’ had been created for sporting enthusiasts.

“The Club Stand secures Flemington’s future as one of the world’s top racing destinations where current and future VRC Members will enjoy the hospitality and incredible atmosphere for which Headquarters is famous,’’ she said.

The stand will be fully operational for Derby Day and the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The ground floor of the venue and selected restaurants will be opened on Sofitel Girls’ Day Out and Turnbull Stakes Day.

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