Images show for the first time the scale of the new grandstand proposed for Caulfield, which boasts a 360-degree view of the racecourse.
Take a tour of how Caulfield Racecourse could look after it’s redevelopment.
The state-of-the-art grand stand will be a major focus of a track revamp designed to turn it into an entertainment, function and hospitality space instead of just a Melbourne horse racing icon.
In another move to expand the venue’s use, a second racetrack has been completed in the middle of the Caulfield Heath since it closed to the public after October’s Caulfield Cup.
Works on revamped horse areas, including a new mounting yard and day stalls due to be complete early next year, are now underway.
And these blueprints obtained by the Herald Sun show for the first time the scale of the new grandstand the Melbourne Racing Club hopes will be a game changer for the course and Melbourne.
An artist’s impression of the ‘Grand Pavilion’ proposed for Caulfield Racecourse.
MRC Chairman Matt Cain said the racecourse was being “progressively transformed into a world class racing, event, recreational and community destination”.
“The recent completion of the Caulfield Heath second track paves the way for Caulfield to race up to 45 times a year, including midweek and night racing,’’ he said.
“The Grand Pavilion will cater for the increased venue use for racing and take our non-racing events portfolio to another level.’’
Architecture firm Woods Bagot has been appointed to bring the grandstand vision to life.
And Mr Cain said an enhanced race day experience would be at the forefront, with improved viewing and modern amenities.
“The proposed Grand Pavilion will complement the wider Caulfield masterplan works and seamlessly interact with the new mounting yard and subterranean day stalls to provide members and racegoers with world class facilities,’’ he said.
The new stand will provide a ‘unique, in the round’ experience.
Woods Bagot principal Bruno Mendes said the new stand would be a cutting edge piece of Australian sports and events infrastructure.
“This is a next generation of grandstand where people come to celebrate, socialise and be electrified by the thrill of racing,’’ he said.
“It will be a precinct which is experience led, socially dynamic, fuelled by diverse food and beverage experiences and a new hospitality destination beyond racing.’’
To maximise its use outside race days, the grandstand will be built with no back, meaning all four sides can be used for different events – from sports and conferences to weddings and school exams.
“From a race day experience point of view it will be a unique, full in the round experience — activated on all four sides with day stalls, mounting yards, racetrack and a heritage precinct to the other,’’ he said.
“There is no back to this building and it will be visually and functionally porous on all four sides on all levels.”
Dining and drink outlets in the new stand would be elevated, with a variety of new spaces inside and out.
“It will be a precinct that supports the local community and cultural activation,’’ he said.
Subject to approval, construction of the grandstand would start late next year and be finished in time for the 2026 spring carnival.