Cash for Melbourne Showgrounds makeover plans

Planning for the redevelopment of the Melbourne Showgrounds has been given a cash injection ahead of a series of major events later this year.

Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

PLANNING for the redevelopment of the Melbourne Showgrounds has been given a cash injection ahead of a series of major events later this year.

Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes confirmed $1.5 million would be provided to the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria to develop a master plan for the precinct.

Ms Symes said the plan, to be completed in 12 months, would identify how the Ascot Vale site could be improved as a centre for agriculture and wider community use.

She said planners would consider options to upgrade or replace ageing infrastructure and how to best integrate transport, exhibition, and accommodation facilities into the precinct.

“The showgrounds are special for so many Victorians but they need a revamp — and today is the first step in that process,” the Agriculture Minister said.

“The showgrounds have evolved from the humble home of the Melbourne Show to one of Victoria’s leading multi-use precincts.

“We need to bring its buildings, facilities and infrastructure into the 21st century.”

The new Victoria Pavilion will officially open at the Showgrounds in August and will host Global Table forum, with former US secretary of state John Kerry as keynote speaker, in September.

RASV chief executive Paul Guerra welcomed the Minister’s announcement.

“There is tremendous potential for the Melbourne Showgrounds to make an even bigger contribution to Victorian life — in tourism, agriculture, entertainment, education and so much more,” he said.