Racing club to ask $5bn from NSW government for Rosehill Racecourse ‘mini-city’ in new proposal

The NSW government will be asked to fork out $5bn as the sale of a premier racecourse for a new “mini-city” hangs in the balance.

Australian Turf Club members will vote on the future of Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse after demanding $5bn to sell the historic venue for a once-in-a-lifetime “mini-city”.

The NSW government will be asked to consider the unsolicited proposal, which racecourse members said would provide it with a minimum of $5bn over 15 years.

ATC chairman Peter McGauran said the proposal, to be voted on at an extraordinary meeting on April 3, would set up the club for the future.

“This resolution is without any doubt the most important and consequential in the history of our club and it is vital that every ATC member votes,” he said.

ATC members will vote on the sale of Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“This proposal offers a one-off opportunity to make the ATC the most financially secure racing club in the world.

“Many Members love Rosehill Gardens and are reluctant to see it go, but the truth is it’s an outdated venue with declining crowds.

“This proposal can rejuvenate and secure the racing industry for many generations to come.’’

The ATC identified two replacement Group 1 racetrack sites of “equal or better quality” to Rosehill: one in Penrith and the other in Canterbury Park.

Funds from the sale would be used to upgrade existing racecourses at Royal Randwick, Warwick Farm, and Canterbury, including entertainment options and a hotel.

Mr McGauran said the proposal would mean members and spectators would “enjoy world-class facilities not just on race days but seven days a week across several sites”.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the proposed ‘mini-city’ was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“Trainers and jockeys will benefit from tracks, training centres and facilities unparalleled in world racing,” he said in a statement.

“Owners of racehorses will face a greater return on their investment as the injection of funding continues to flow right through the industry.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns has described the proposed suburb, including 25,000 homes and a metro station, as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Earlier this month, he said the train line would only be built “once … so it’s not as if the organisation will be able to revisit the opportunity in 10, 15, 20 years’ time”.

The racecourse sale has faced pushback, with the “Save Rosehill” group calling for members not to vote on the deal until the “voting process is clarified”.

ATC member and Save Rosehill advocate Jack Frawley said the club needed to “reconsider its approach” and “provide a clear, racing-focused rationale”.

Funds from the sale will be used on upgrades to other racecourses. Picture: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Dr Fawley claimed Mr McGauran’s letter failed to “highlight any substantial racing-related improvements” justifying Rosehill’s sale.

“I must express deep concerns over its heavy focus on lifestyle and entertainment facilities rather than the core racing experience that members value,” he said.

“The shift in priorities raises serious questions about whether the ATC is placing commercial and property development interests ahead of its fundamental responsibility.

“ATC members are here for the racing, not for luxury leisure experiences that cater to an entirely different demographic.”

Under the deal, state government payments to the ATC are timed to fund “several major investments” over 15 years.