Caulfield Master Plan

Introduction

The Master plan is a key initiative of the Melbourne Racing Club’s Strategic Plan ‘Project Elvstroem’ for the development of the club’s facilities and resources at Caulfield racecourse. The Melbourne Racing Club Executive Team administers this initiative with direct report to the Committee.

The Master Plan has a broad scope which incorporates the current function and operation of the club facilities across a diverse business operation.

Latest News

Agreement on the use of Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Centre reached

The Melbourne Racing Club and the Glen Eira City Council have reached agreement on the use of the public open space in the Centre of Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.

A joint communiqué to the Trustees of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve has been endorsed by the Chief Executive Officers of the Melbourne Racing Club, Warran Brown, and Glen Eira City Council, Andrew Newton. The communiqué outlines the Melbourne Racing Club and the City of Glen Eira agreed position on the use of public open space in the centre of the Caulfield Racecourse.

Following discussions between the Melbourne Racing Club and the City of Glen Eira the following agreement was reached:

• Horse training will continue at Caulfield Racecourse until such time that the Industry is ready to relocate training to a more suitable location.
• The Centre of the Reserve should be maintained and improved as passive recreation public open space.
• Once training at Caulfield ceases a portion of the Reserve will be hatched off and incorporated in the Glen Huntly Park to provide increased active sporting facilities.

The communiqué will now be submitted to the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trustees for formal approval of its recommendations.

 “We see this as a great stride forward in realising our vision for the public open space of the Reserve. My team is looking forward to commencing works on improving the facilities on offer in the Centre of the Reserve,” MRC's CEO Mr Warran Brown said. “We look forward to continuing to work with council,” he added.

Signs Point Way to Better Caulfield Reserve Access 

 Click here to view the Signage

New signs promoting access to the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve have been installed, welcoming residents to one of the area’s most idyllic recreation spaces.

Unveiling the signs, Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trustees Chairman Mr Peter Le Grand, Melbourne Racing Club General Manager Commercial Operations, Mr Simon Gardner, and Mayor of the City of Glen Eira, Cr Steven Tang, encouraged local residents to better use the Centre of the Reserve.

“The new signage is a display of the Club’s commitment to promoting the use of the Centre of the Reserve as public open space, which presently provides a variety of recreational opportunities,” Mr Gardner said.  “We will continue to work with council and consult with the community to enhance the Centre of the Reserve in a manner that provides for the community’s needs, in harmony with the Club’s racing and event operations,” he added.

Cr Tang said Council encouraged residents to be more active and is keen to promote the diverse mix of recreation facilities available across the municipality.

“The Centre of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve is one of almost 70 parks, gardens and reserves available across Glen Eira offering a range of recreational pursuits and facilities for people of all ages and abilities,” he said.

Signs promoting access to the Reserve have been placed at the entry points at Glen Eira Road, Neerim Road, Station Street and Queens Avenue with further signs around the Reserve informing visitors how to access the centre.

Mr Gardner said Caulfield Racecourse is an iconic local landmark with a long and illustrious history.  “Generations of families in Glen Eira have used and enjoyed the Racecourse Reserve and this is a facet of local life our Club welcomes for the ongoing benefit of all,” he added.

Community Information Evening

A Community Information Evening was held on 04th June 2008.  MRC Staff enjoyed the opportunity to share with residents aspects of the business that they may not have been familiar with. Displays for viewing included: 

• Queens Avenue Fence Risk Assessment
• New signage and access times to the Centre of the Reserve
• Proposed Centre upgrade developments
• Water Saving initiatives
• Off Course Masterplan update
• Spring Racing Carnival and MRC Membership

Congratulations to our Lucky Door prize winner - we hope you enjoy your day at the races being Monash Stakes Day, Saturday 19th July.

Fence A Sure Bet For Safety

Retaining the existing fence and vegetation along Queens Avenue provides the most effective safety control, a risk assessment report has found.  To complete the risk assessment, two sections of palisade fencing were installed along Queens Avenue between Kambrook Road and Station Street and visual, aural, traffic, maintenance, pedestrian and access issues and impacts evaluated.

Consultants, Worley Parsons Pty Ltd, sought the views of jockeys, trainers and stewards, while the Club wrote to local residents providing an opportunity for community input.

The consultant’s recently completed report found:

1. “These controls (fence and vegetation) are essential for safe management of racing and training activities along the Queens Avenue boundary of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve”
2. “Removal of the fence and vegetation along the Queens Avenue boundary would present an unacceptable increase in risk to horse racing activities.”
3. “Replacement of the current fence with a more open type of fence, such as the palisade type tested, would seriously compromise MRC’s current controls and any replacement should maintain or improve on those controls.”
4. “The presence of the embankment and the need for boundary vegetation means there is little “upside” benefit (from the open fencing) to non racing stakeholders wishing for an improvement on the vista.”

“The report’s findings reinforced the vital role appropriate fencing plays in ensuring safety and security for racecourse users, workers, visitors and local residents,” Mr Warran Brown, Chief Executive, Melbourne Racing Club said.  “Having considered the findings, the Club will develop new short and medium-term plans to look after the fence.  With responsibility for the vegetation resting with the City of Glen Eira we will also seek to meet with Council to discuss possible vegetation improvements along the fence line.”

The complete Worley Parsons Risk Assessment is available to be viewed on site at Melbourne Functions Reception. If you wish to view the report please email

masterplanqueries@melbourneracingclub.net.au or phone 03 9257 7100 to make arrangements.

Vision for the Centre of the Course

Message from the CEO

The Melbourne Racing Club is proud of its shared history with the Glen Eira community.  I would like to share with you, our vision for the public open space of the Reserve, a safe and accessible area where we can all enjoy walking, fishing, jogging or just take some time out to appreciate the natural environment.

New signs welcoming visitors to the Reserve have recently been installed on all gates and entries.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Trustees, Glen Eira Council and the community so that we may all share in the benefits the Reserve has to offer.

Warran Brown
CEO, Melbourne Racing Club

The Proposal

Part of the Caulfield Master Plan includes some exciting initiatives which will see the Centre of the Course enhanced for the greater benefit of the community. The Club’s proposal includes:

• Boardwalk around the existing lake. This is the perfect addition for public to stroll around the natural infield lake, possibly stop to use it for fishing, etc…
• BBQ area. Putting aside some specific areas for families to gather and cook a bbq while enjoying the great views from the centre
• Themed Walking/Running track. This is an idea which has been well-received by many local residents, involving a 1.6km themed track for community to use to run, jog or walk round.
• Zoned area for expanded access: At present the training of horses at certain times of the day makes it unsafe for public and horses to be in the same area. Under the proposed plans the Club would create a large area with natural division, enabling local residents to use the centre in a safe environment, while horses are being trained and exercised on the track.

Your Questions Answered

Will the centre of the reserve be developed with tall buildings for commercial purposes?

There is no commercial development proposed for the centre of the reserve.  By speaking with residents and assessing the Club’s operations, passive recreation was identified as the most popular use for the course centre. It is all about making the centre a fun, safe and accessible place for the community to use and enjoy. With safety as the number one priority, a specially designed area will be created separating the visitors from horse training activity. This area can be accessed from sunrise to sunset.

New signs have been put up at entry points detailing how to access the centre and at what times it is safe to do so. Please refer to the back page of this brochure for the details. We are working towards providing the community with the best possible opportunity to utilise the centre.

But isn’t there a need for more local sports fields?

A detailed review of community needs showed passive recreation and environmental appreciation to be the favoured uses for the centre. The review concluded that the demand for junior sporting facilities can be adequately catered for by rescheduling events and better using existing facilities. 

Will the proposed changes impact on how I currently use the reserve?

No, you will still be able to use the reserve as you have in the past. During the development of the improved passive recreation facilities there will be some disruption. While this occurs we ask for your patience and assure you that we will provide advance notice of any access changes during construction.

Relocating some of the training facilities will create a specially designed public area that will include:

• a new boardwalk around the lake,
• a 1.6km themed walking and running track with exercise stations and drinking fountains
• a BBQ area and 
• several accessible fishing spots.

While the MRC is the City of Glen Eira’s largest ratepayer, the Club funds all maintenance and development of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve ensuring no ratepayer money is used. This is unlike any other park in Glen Eira, which are all funded by the Council using rate payers funds.

When is this all going to happen?

Work has already started, and the Club is working with Council on exactly how the Centre will look and feel. The works will be staged around the Club’s operations to minimise impact on the Community. We expect the works to be completed in 2009/2010.

Will I be able to park my car in the centre of the reserve?

Parking in the centre of the course is only allowed on race days and major events, when parking attendants and security is in place. A ready supply of on street public car parking is available around the racecourse and in the Guineas carpark.

Will I be able to walk my dog in the Reserve?

Dogs are welcome after 4.30pm, with access to the centre of the reserve as shown on the new signage. Click here to view the signage

Dogs are to be leashed at all times and we would expect dog walkers to abide by common courtesy and pick up after their dog.

Can community groups use the reserve for gatherings and other functions?

Yes, groups are welcome, with the BBQ, boardwalk and general sense of calm and peacefulness set to make the centre of the course a lovely meeting space. This will be a perfect place for a picnic, BBQ or other informal get-together.

To ensure gatherings above a certain size are safe and comply with all conditions, community groups interested in holding an event on the centre should call (03) 9257 7100.

Off Course Development

What is being proposed

The area around Caulfield Racecourse is set to be transformed into a world class mixed-use precinct under a plan developed by the Melbourne Racing Club.

The plan will see upgrades to the grandstand and racing facilities and improvements to the centre of the course. This exciting proposal will see the area between the existing racecourse and Caulfield Station grow into a major residential, retail and commercial hub over the next fifteen years.

A scale model of the proposed development has been constructed and has been displayed at various racemeetings to enable Members, residents and the public to get a better perspective of how the development may look and have any queries answered. More than 600 residents, racegoers and Members have provided feedback, which has been extremely positive.

The model is currently in the main reception area of the Club's administration building (inside Gate 22) and can be viewed during normal working hours of 9am - 5pm weekdays.

Public Exhibition

In late 2007 the Minister of Planning appointed a panel to assess the suitability of the Club’s documentation for placing the proposed ‘Amendment to the Glen Eira Planning Scheme’ for the land to the North of Station Street on public exhibition (Public Exhibition is a process that allows the community and interested parties to make submissions on the proposal).

Significant progress has been made and we hope to have the proposal on Public Exhibition in  2008.

Your Questions Answered

Will extra car-parking be provided?

Existing car park numbers will be retained with additional car parking to be incorporated into the new facilities developed as part of the project.

What is being done to manage traffic?

A traffic analysis has found that major improvements can be made to traffic flow in and around the racecourse. The plan includes a new tree lined boulevard and the realignment of Station Street.

Will the project affect residents and businesses?

The project brings with it a range of benefits for local residents and businesses.

An increased customer base and range of commercial opportunities will benefit business owners. While local residents will have access to a greater range of dining, shopping and recreation options to visit, use and enjoy.

Master planning has considered the needs and concerns of residents, with the height of the buildings scaled appropriately, with high rise buildings proposed on the portion of the site furthest away from current residents.

How many jobs will the project create?

The project will generate significant employment both in the local area and beyond, including:

• 1,350 direct construction jobs in the first five years

• 1,070 direct permanent jobs in the retail, commercial and hospitality sectors.
  

How much will the project cost?

Once fully developed the combined land value, construction and development costs are estimated to be around $750 million.

Is the project supported by Government planning policy?

Yes, the State Government’s main planning policy Melbourne 2030 has identified the area between the racecourse and Caulfield Station as a major activity centre.

Under this policy, major activity centres have been identified in strategic locations that have good public transport networks and are suitable for higher density accommodation, retail and commercial development.

What planning approvals are needed?

The project will need a planning scheme amendment before it can proceed.

Will the Community be able to comment on the application?

Yes, before the proposed amendment to the planning scheme can be approved it will be placed on public exhibition.

Members Questions Answered

Melbourne Racing Club has displayed the Caulfield Master Plan model to its Members at several race meetings.

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions we have fielded from our Members who have viewed the model;

What happens to our Members parking on racedays?

MRC has utilised Members No.1 & No.2 Carparks primarily for the benefit of Members and this benefit will be relocated to the expanded Kambrook Road Carpark, the Guineas Carpark and the Centre of the track.

How will the Members Parking changes cater for people with restricted mobility?

The new Kambrook Road Carpark area will be known as Members Grove. This area will have dedicated carparking for people with restricted mobility.

What new Members facilities are proposed?

The proposal includes a new Atrium, featuring a betting ring, multi-level Membership offerings and a new parade ring and a major improvement with the relocation of the day stabling to a new area closer to the track.

Will I still be able to get close to the horses in the new day stable area?

Caulfield is renowned for it intimate experience of being close to the horses. The new facilities will maintain this tradition.

Images

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve - Public Entry Points and Access Times

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Centre Proposal

Caulfield Racecourse Mixed Use Area & Masterplan1

Caulfield Racecourse Master Plan Including Images (pdf 1,000kb)

Feedback

The Melbourne Racing Club welcomes patrons to provide their views and enquiries relating to this important project. To provide your feedback, please complete the following form.

Please rank the areas of priority to you as follows. 1 being the most important, 5 being the least important.