Reconstruction of the famous Cox Plate course is set to begin in 2016 as part of a multi-million dollar redevelopment of the Moonee Valley precinct.
The reconfiguration of the track is expected to take 10 months with a longer home straight to be situated at the northern end of the course.
The club’s master plan unveiled on Tuesday includes increased track width, reduced circumference and a new four-tier grandstand with city skyline views overlooking the home straight.
MVRC chairman Bob Scarborough said the purpose-built venue would deliver up to 40 meetings a year, most of them at night, and hold crowds of 40,000 comfortably, particularly on feature race days.
“We will be seeking to enhance the on-course experience through our track reconfiguration and spectators in our new state-of-the-art grandstand will be significantly closer to the racing action,” he said.
“They will have greater lines of sight of the racetrack, a closer position to the horses at the furthest point in the back straight and a backdrop of the Melbourne city skyline. There will be sufficient seating for both members and the public.
“Our focus is on building a world-class night racing venue. Most of our meetings would be on Friday nights and the racing product would be exported to international markets through television and other electronic sources.”
The track circumference will be reduced by 103 metres to 1702 metres and the home straight will be 317 metres long compared to its current distance of 173 metres – the shortest run home in Australian racing.
Widening the track will allow for more rail movements and bigger fields.
The course will have a remodelled infield incorporating a horse float park, pedestrian access, horse stalls and pre-parade ring and a tunnel under the track leading to the mounting yard.
Away from racing, the plan includes the construction of up to 2500 townhouses/apartments over 15-20 years with an affordable housing provision and further community enhancements.
AAP TURF
