PUBLIC RECREATION SPACE FOR MELBOURNE RACECOURSE

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve — the site that houses the Caulfield Racecourse — could soon look a whole lot different, all thanks to a new revitalisation strategy announced by the Victorian Government.

The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust's ambitious vision for the precinct throws a renewed focus on its capacity as a public recreation space that people can use all year round. Mapped out in the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Land Management Plan is more than $500 million worth of projects and upgrades for the sprawling site, which covers 54 hectares — the space of around ten MCGs. The final plan has been revealed this week, after a draft version was released last year and community feedback was gathered.

Over the next 15 years, the reserve can expect to score a bunch of new sports and recreation facilities, walking and running tracks throughout, and picnic areas. A new sports hub will feature an indoor stadium and outdoor sports fields, with car parks beneath the pitch, and there are big upgrades in store for the lake and wetland areas, including the addition of an Indigenous heath.

A pavilion for concerts, community gardens and play areas can also be expected for the space. There'll also be a focus on improving access to the site, including to some parts not currently open to the public, all of which will set it up to be able to host a whole range of additional events each year. And, the racecourse itself will get undergo upgrades as well.

Back in 2018, the Victorian Government committed $1 million towards developing the strategy and managing the reserve, which is one of the largest open public spaces south of the CBD. The Melbourne Racing Club is putting $285 million towards the precinct's racecourse-related improvements.

Images via Concrete Playground