An artist’s impression of the proposed Caulfield Racecourse redevelopment.
Racecourse managers hope the outdoor events space in the middle of the track will rival the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Caulfield could host about 15,000 people,compared to the music bowl’s 10,000.
“It will transform Caulfield,” said the racecourse trust’s chair,Sam Almaliki,adding the venue will be turned into one of Asia’s premier racing tracks and recreational precincts.
Two sports hubs will be created within the track as part of the 15-year vision. One will include natural turf surfaces for sports such as cricket and soccer and the other will have synthetic pitches for sports such as hockey,plus an outdoor gym and picnic areas.
Walking,running and cycling trails will be created alongside the racetrack,while gardens,a skatepark,meeting rooms,open spaces for markets and off-leash areas will also be developed.
The redevelopment will feature walking and cycling trails,restaurants and affordable housing.
About $570 million is required for the project,of which $285 million has been committed by the Melbourne Racing Club.
The racecourse trust is negotiating with federal,state and local governments over their contributions. The racing club is partly funding the project through the sale of Sandown racecourse,but Dandenong mayor Angela Longhas expressed opposition to the Sandown plan.