Flemington Racecourse, the home of Australia's most important race, the Melbourne Cup, will embark on the construction of a new state-of-the-art grandstand just days after this year's spring carnival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Next Tuesday's Melbourne Cup will be the last run in front of the 92-year-old Members' Old Grandstand, from which VRC members have witnessed the feats of legends including Phar Lap, Makybe Diva and Black Caviar.
The new $128 million Club Stand, designed by architects Bates Smart, will be delivered by the VRC's newly-appointed construction partner, Multiplex, in time for the 2018 Melbourne Cup carnival.
With Victorian government and industry support, the stand will be a much-needed bonus in spring carnivals of the future.as the new building will help absorb the huge crowds that visit Flemington through Cup week.
"We are aware of how important a new stand is to Flemington and we were determined to make this a stand that will be of multi use. It's exciting and I think our many loyal members wil be thrilled with the end result", VRC chief executive Simon Love said
The project will generate significant benefits to the Victorian economy, creating an estimated 350 full-time equivalent jobs during construction.
And the Victorian government, Racing Victoria and Tabcorp have injected funds towards the Club Stand to enhance the raceday experience at Flemington Racecourse.
Love said the VRC was proud to be working with the government, industry and a number of partners to bring the Club Stand to life, marking the next step in the club's renewal plans for Flemington Racecourse.
"The new Club Stand is a celebration of the history, character and joy of Flemington Racecourse and our hallmark event, the Melbourne Cup carnival.
"The world-class facility has been designed to provide an unrivalled event experience. Guests will be entertained and can enjoy an incredible variety of restaurants and bars across five levels, including a rooftop garden that boasts outstanding views of the famous track and Melbourne's city skyline."
The Club Stand will ensure Flemington's contribution to the economy continues to grow; last year's Melbourne Cup Carnival injected gross economic benefit of more than $387 million to the state of Victoria.
The new Club Stand will be the tenth grandstand built at Flemington Racecourse since 1865.
