Major new $3.5m ‘telescope dome’ proposed for Caulfield Racecourse
A $3.5m observatory with a state-of-the-art telescope dome is proposed as part of a major revamp of Caulfield Racecourse.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Thousands of punters study the field each year at Caulfield and, under a new proposal, the public will be given a chance to study the stars.
A major new $3.5m observatory with a state-of-the-art telescope dome — an addition to the heritage-listed 160-year-old Melbourne Observatory dome next to the Botanical Gardens, is proposed to be located in the middle of Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne’s southeast.
The new home of the Astronomical Society of Victoria would be able to house a 20-30-inch mirror-sized telescope capable of looking hundreds of light-years away at celestial objects such as planets, comets, star clusters, nebulae, and other galaxies.
The building will include a 300-seat auditorium for lectures on astronomy as well as science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sessions for primary and high school students.
Planning for the observatory is currently going through the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust and funding support is being sought from state and federal governments.
ASV President Mark Iscaro said the proposed new home for Victorian amateur astronomy, a site which has been used by the century-old organisation to host stargazing sessions, would be open to all ages and abilities, anyone interested in learning more about our universe.
Planning includes a specially-dedicated viewing area for astrophotography and astronomical library.
“Astronomy at the observatory won’t be limited for viewing stars at night,” Mr Iscaro said.
“We’ll also have a special solar viewing area, where specially-designed telescopes for looking at the sun will be set-up for visitors.”
The project’s footprint has been kept to a maximum of 766sq mtrs to minimise impacts on the racecourse reserve.
The observatory proposal comes as Caulfield Racecourse continues to progress plans for a massive $570m revamp to build on its Group One racing calendar, with scope for concerts, festivals, children’s sport, gala balls and food markets at the site.
The Melbourne Racing Club aims to transform Caulfield into “a major Victorian event hub by mid-decade,” working with the Caulfield trust to enhance the utility and range of offerings on the 54 hectare reserve.
Earlier this month, MRC chief executive Josh Blanksby told the Herald Sun the plan would see Caulfield celebrated as a centrepiece sports and multi-use facility.
“A new grandstand, additional racetrack, floodlights, new sporting ovals and flexible outdoor spaces will see Caulfield Racecourse use every hectare of land so it can be activated 365 days a year,’’ Mr Blanksby said.
The Caulfield trust, assessing the observatory proposal, is responsible for planning, development, management and use of the reserve for the purposes of racing, recreation and public park use in accordance with the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Act 2017.
Souled Out festival cancelled at last minute, but there’s a twist
The Souled Out R & B music festival has been cancelled, with organisers saying the event “did not reach the level of support needed”. But they had earlier boasted one of the shows had sold out. What happened?
‘$1000’: The real cost of love in Melbourne this Valentine’s Day
Victorians are set to fork out a whopping $140m on gifts for their loved ones this Valentine’s Day — so, how much should you really spend on your partner? We asked Melburnians for their price points.