Moonee Valley Racing Club selects Symal for civil works and Evergreen for turf

The Moonee Valley Racing Club $220 million redevelopment remains on schedule to commence on 1st November 2025, following the running of the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival.

Victorian Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today announced a $5 million investment via the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to contribute towards turning Moonee Valley into a world-class racing and entertainment precinct.

Symal has been appointed to undertake the civil and infrastructure works for the new Moonee Valley Racecourse precinct while the Club has selected Evergreen for the new racecourse.

The Club awarded the ~$70 million contract to Symal for civil works following the successful completion of an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process, during which it worked closely with Symal’s technical and design management teams to address key design and operational elements of the project.

The partnership has paved the way for construction to commence following the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival. This marks a significant step forward in delivering ‘The Valley of Tomorrow’, guided by the Club’s long-term vision and strategic planning.

The scope of work includes bulk earthworks and services, full track reconstruction, new racing infrastructure, upgraded underpasses, retaining walls and the installation of new track lighting. It follows the appointment of Evergreen Turf as the turf provider for the new racecourse, which is currently growing at their Pakenham farm.

MVRC Chair Adam Lennen enthused “The Moonee Valley Racing Club is delighted to appoint Symal as our partner to deliver the new Moonee Valley Racecourse precinct civil and infrastructure works.

“Symal has a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects, and this appointment marks a significant milestone for the Club as we prepare to embark on delivering our vision for ‘The Valley of Tomorrow’ following the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival.”

Symal Group Managing Director Joe Bartolo shared “Delivering ‘The Valley of Tomorrow’ takes more than building, it takes foresight, trust and true partnership.

“Our ECI approach enabled early decisions around constructability and cost, helping shape a smarter program and cost solutions that gave the Club real certainty and confidence.”

Turf
Moonee Valley Racing Club has also selected Evergreen for the new racecourse with Moonee Valley Racing Club Chief Executive, Michael Browell noting “the turf for the new track is currently growing at Evergreen Turf's Pakenham farm.  The project plan is to see the new turf laid at The Valley in October 2026, which is anticipated to be completed in November 2026.  This then provides a period of nine months for the new track to consolidate and settle ahead of our planned return to racing in August 2027.”

A new 27-metre-wide track will also be constructed with improved drainage, irrigation and turf for better safety and performance.

As part of the redevelopment, new horse stalls will be built to improve animal welfare, alongside a vet office, farrier room, wash bays, parade ring, swab and scope boxes as well as a new patron entry and viewing area.

Energy-efficient lighting and upgraded infrastructure will also improve broadcast quality and the viewing experience, while reducing power consumption.

Budget 
The total budget for the racecourse works, including the grandstand, has increased to $220 million. 

Browell adds “our initial budget was set at $200 million, and this increase of 10% is due to cost escalation across both the civil and construction sectors.  Pleasingly, the MVRC’s projected returns from our Moonee Valley Park joint venture with Hamton – Hostplus have increased significantly since the project commenced in 2017.

“Importantly, the MVRC is fully funding the redevelopment. By funding the redevelopment ourselves, we retain full control of the scope and budget, and we will continue to align delivery with forecasted future Moonee Valley Park distributions. The Club and its Members can be proud of the long-term investment we are making into the future sustainability of the Victorian racing industry for generations to come.”

Grandstand
Announced in Dec 2023, the Grandstand and Clubhouse precinct designed by Cox Architecture, will become the focal point of the broader community focused redevelopment.

The redevelopment of the Club’s Grandstand and Clubhouse precinct secured planning permits by the City of Moonee Valley in December 2023 which followed the permit approval for the redevelopment of the existing racetrack and infield earlier in the year.

A wellness centre will be situated on the Ground Level of the approved Clubhouse, including a gym, outdoor lap pool and change facilities. The wellness centre will be accessible to racegoers and local members of the community, as part of the MVRC’s overarching master plan strategy to appeal to a broader customer base beyond racing.

The new Grandstand building will feature new bars, dining areas, terrace seating and private suites for racegoers and Club members. The multi-storey building will be activated primarily for racing days and events. 

Browell added “the approval of the Grandstand and Clubhouse precinct permit provides certainty to the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s redevelopment and delivering on the Club’s repositioning as a mixed-use sports and entertainment precinct.”

Image. Announced in Dec 2023, the Grandstand and Clubhouse precinct designed by Cox Architecture, will become the focal point of the broader community focused redevelopment. Credit: Cox Architecture