The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust has unveiled a $570 million vision to transform the historic race track in Melbourne’s south east into a more open, community-friendly precinct.
MGS Architects has developed concept plans for the redevelopment, with landscape architecture by Mary Papaioannou Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. The project aims to create modern facilities for sport, recreation and community events, as well as providing public parks and “beautiful landscapes” and upgrading the horse racing facilities.
Sam Almaliki, the trust’s chairperson, said that over the next 15 years the reserve would become an increasingly accessible and activated space, supporting diverse uses and events.
“Access into all Reserve areas will be improved and parts of the Reserve that currently are not accessible to the public will become available to be transformed into exciting new parks, recreations spaces and landscapes,” he said.
Caulfield Racecourse redevelopment concept by MGS Architects.
A 15-year land management plan calls for the provision of a large indoor sporting and community facility; “extensive” turf and synthetic playing fields for outdoor sports such as cricket, football, soccer and hockey; and a criterium circuit for cycling.
New heathland and wetland areas and large park spaces would also lead to enhanced biodiversity outcomes.
“The reserve of the future will be the centre of community life: a community and events destination of state significance with an enduring reputation as a premier thoroughbred horse racing venue,” said Almaliki. “It will be an accessible, vibrant, flexible and inclusive space within the broader Caulfield precinct.”
The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust was established under the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Act 2017 to manage Caulfield Racecourse Reserve for “racing, recreation and public park purposes.” At the time, the local council urged the trust prioritise public access to the reserve.
“It is Council’s longstanding position that a better balance needs to be achieved at the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve between racing, recreation, and use as a public park,” a Glen Eira City Council statement reads.
The trust will now work with the council and state government to develop a business case, expected to be completed later in 2021.
