New plans for $200m Caulfield Racecourse grandstand overhaul submitted to state government
Bold new plans to transform Caulfield Racecourse grandstand into a $200 million entertainment precinct have been submitted to the state government. Take a look at the updated design.
Victoria
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Bold new plans to transform an ageing Caulfield Racecourse grandstand into a $200 million entertainment precinct have been submitted to the state government.
Melbourne Racing Club has applied to fast track plans for a four storey grandstand plus basement that would add premium restaurants, suites and conference facilities to a new “grand pavilion”.
The plans, submitted to the Department of Transport this month, include a rooftop bar and deck with views over the racecourse, city and Dandenongs.
But a challenge to the MRC’s committee could scupper the deal or cause membership fees to triple, with a trio of committee members trying to force their way onto the board threatening to derail the plans.
MRC chairman Matt Cain confirmed an election challenge to three long serving committee members by rivals opposed to a proposed rezoning of Sandown Racecourse had thrown a spanner in the works.
“The current board is very much focused on our Caulfield masterplan and executing this fantastic grand pavilion,’’ he said.
“We’ve got to look at all options to value and fund that and one of the processes we are undertaking is doing a planning scheme amendment on Sandown.
“That doesn't mean we are selling Sandown, it just means we can rezone it, get a re-evaluation on our balance sheet and have a look at what we can do with all the land.’’
Mr Cain said the re-evaluation could increase Sandown’s land value by “hundreds of millions of dollars’’, “future proof the club” and bankroll the Caulfield makeover.
But if the planning scheme amendment didn’t go ahead, the grandstand revamp could stall or members may have fees increased to pay for it.
“I think the last thing members would want to do is have their fees increased from $350, which is tremendous value, to probably north of $1000 to ensure we can provide the facilities and services and racing they expect from us,’’ he said.
The Woods Bagot designed grandstand would include direct links to a revamped mounting yard that would be the biggest in Australia, capable of housing 900 participants.
A bookmaker’s area, member’s bars and food hall would be built on the ground floor with restaurants, more bars and tiered external seating on the level above.
Level two would include suits, a new committee room, the rooftop deck and more outdoor seating.
Mr Cain said it would be a “total multipurpose grandstand’’ that can host 45 days of race meetings with crowds of between 2000 and 20,000 people.
But it would also provide a unique new Melbourne space for weddings, conferences and concerts.
“The minute there is no racing there, you can have a 600 person ball or conference on the ground level facing the track,’’ he said.
“You can have hospitality, parties, weddings and things on the rooftop and at other various levels.’’
If approved, work on the grand pavilion would start late next year and be open in time for the 2026 Caulfield Cup Carnival.
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