Redevelopment plans announced for Melbourne's Valley Racecourse

Melbourne's Valley Racecourse is to undergo redevelopment as management at the horse racing venue seek to create a “vibrant new lifestyle, sporting, residential and destination precinct” to benefit the local community.

The project is the result of almost a decade of planning by Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) in consultation with the community, its members, the Victorian Government, Moonee Valley City Council and Racing Victoria.

Plans include installing a new grandstand at the venue in order to place racegoers closer to the action and allow for night racing.

The MVRC said that this has been designed with a “customer-first approach”, pledging to deliver an “exceptional” experience to visitors.

Also featured in the project is a new track, which will measure in 30 metres wide and enable the venue to host up to 35 race meetings each year. The home straight will also be extended from 173 metre to 317 metres but retain all key starting positions, including the famous W S Cox Plate 2040 metre start at the top of the home straight.

To support the work, the MVRC has agreed a joint venture between Australian superannuation fund Hostplus and property developer Hamton, with both to serve as development partners for the project.

Introducing the plan, MVRC Chairman Don Casboult stated “the scale and ambition of this project is unparalleled. The Valley of Tomorrow will respect our great heritage while creating a wonderful new environment for all to enjoy.

“Our partners strongly share our vision and together we are deeply committed to working in close collaboration with the community to create a precinct that reflects community aspirations and enhances the local area for residents.

“Our vision for The Valley is designed to provide the best facilities of any sporting, lifestyle, residential and community precinct in the nation. It will deliver a huge range of benefits for the entire community over the next century.” 

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