Flemington racecourse serving up a ‘game-changing’ new grandstand

STUNNING new images of a state-of-the-art grandstand being built at Flemington racecourse reveal the food and entertainment haven that awaits future racegoers.

STUNNING new images of a state-of-the-art grandstand being built at Flemington racecourse reveal the food and entertainment haven that awaits racegoers.

The home of the Melbourne Cup will soon become a foodie destination with world-class dining areas and bars overlooking the track and the city.

A premium dining space to rival the city’s finest restaurants will take centre stage when the five-floor Club Stand opens this year, replacing the members’ grandstand built in the 1920s.

FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE NEW GRANDSTAND AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The home of the Melbourne Cup will soon become a foodie destination with world-class dining and bar spaces to be unveiled overlooking the racecourse and city skyline.

The new Members Dining Room on level two will feature sweeping track and city views.

The Byerley, as the restaurant will be known, will boast an arrival bar, a show kitchen, a cellar display, an outdoor ­terrace and a fine-­dining ­restaurant with high-profile guest chefs.

Elsewhere in the new stand, The Bakery will allow punters to enjoy croissants while they survey their form guides, and The Arbour will serve sushi, seafood and Asian cuisine.

Exclusive new details of the redevelopment reveal the lush life awaiting Victoria Racing Club members and their guests as the $128 million redevelopment nears completion.

VRC chair Amanda Elliott said the new bars and restaurants, to be announced today, meant the Club Stand would have something for everyone.

A western view of the new club stand at Flemington, which will feature exciting dining and bar options.

“From people wanting to enjoy one of Flemington’s ­famous chicken sandwiches on the go, to those wanting to indulge in a degustation by one of Melbourne’s top chefs in The Byerley restaurant,” Mrs Elliott said.

“As the building nears completion, we are starting to see the different levels and venues of this magnificent new structure coming to life. We are ­absolutely raising the bar for event goers and I can’t wait for it to be operational.”

The new grandstand, the 10th to be built at Flemington since 1865, will be open in time for the Spring Racing Carnival.

MELBOURNE CUP: Punters' guide

Victoria Racing Club members in the old grandstand watch the 2015 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Jason Edwards

The old members’ grandstand was completed in 1924. Picture: Victoria Racing Club

Its new Members’ Dining Room on level two will have sweeping track and city views.

The Straight Six bar on level three will have an open kitchen, with chefs serving appetisers, antipasto and wood-fired pizzas on an eastern terrace.

The Bluegrass Bar will be the cocktail hub. And the Furlong Bar, overlooking the mounting yard, will serve cheese and charcuterie plates, tapas and a wide range of wines and beers.

Mrs Elliott said the restaurants would provide an ­unrivalled race-day experience and ensure Flemington and Melbourne remained “the global home of racing, events and entertainment”.

“The Club Stand is a confident expression of the VRC’s belief in our future growth and prosperity. It is a game-changer for us,” she said.

[e-mail]

@rolfep