The transformation of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve as one of Melbourne’s great open spaces has taken a big step forward with a joint feasibility study with Melbourne Football Club for new community infrastructure and training facilities.
The recently released Strategic Management Plan provides an exciting vision for the precinct, including a broad range of community focussed infrastructure, with a Nature, Arts and Events Precinct and a Sports Fields Precinct in the centre of the Reserve. The feasibility study will be an important step in understanding how this vision can be brought to life and what role Melbourne Football Club could play in realising the potential of the Reserve.
“We have recently updated our Strategic Management Plan to provide a really clear and practical vision to transform the Reserve into a place for everyone while also providing exceptional community infrastructure,” said Sam Almaliki, Chairperson of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust.
The Strategic Management Plan includes range of community infrastructure that will be investigated as part of the study. This includes walking, running and cycling tracks, revitalisation and enhancement of the Northern Lake and wetlands as part of the Nature, Arts and Events Precinct, the delivery of dedicated community focussed events spaces, and a range of multipurpose natural turf sports fields.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with all of our stakeholders, including the Melbourne Football Club, to investigate how we can bring this vision to life and ensure the Reserve is a vibrant, fun and wonderful place.” Mr Almaliki said.
The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve will now work closely with the Melbourne Football Club and other stakeholders, including Melbourne Racing Club as an existing tenant, to develop options through the study. This will be undertaken in parallel with the delivery with the enhancements that are currently underway within the Reserve.
The potential of the Reserve has been further enhanced with the soon to be completed Metro Tunnel and brand-new Glen Huntly Station. The Reserve has long been, and will continue to be a, a premier racing venue and is one of the most expansive parklands in Southeast Melbourne.
The Strategic Management Plan was first made possible through the Victorian Government’s decision to relocate horse training, which ceased in 2021. This has unlocked additional land within the inside of the racetrack and increased the opening hours. The Reserve was previously only open between 9:45am and 1:30pm and from 4pm to sunset. It is now open sunrise to sunset throughout the year except for declared horse racing events.
The feasibility study is expected to commence in early 2024 and further details will be provided as it progresses.