Revamp plan more than grandstanding

Cranbourne’s three codes are looking at revamping the Cranbourne Racecourse’s grandstand.

By Sarah Schwager
THE Cranbourne Racecourse is on track for a revamp.
The Cranbourne Turf Club, Cranbourne Harness Racing Club and Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club are looking at redeveloping the racing centre’s grandstand.
However, Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the $5 million redevelopment plan would need support from local and state government.
“The facilities are starting to age a bit. We have a certain level of expectation of service and standard from our patrons and we want to take that to the next level,” he said.
The revamp would include improved dining and bar area, a view of all three tracks and would be totally enclosed.
Mr Bainbridge said all three codes were currently working together on the proposal.
“But there is no question that we can’t do this without the support for funding of the state and local government,” he said.
“It’s a significant amount of money and would be phased over a number of years.”
The racing centre runs 103 race meetings each year, as well as smaller functions such as swap meets, markets and weddings, and contributes $86.2 million or 1.5 per cent of the economic activity generated in Casey.
When asked if the State Government would support plans for redevelopment of the grandstand at Cranbourne, Victorian Minister for Racing Rob Hulls said he would be keen to make the most of the entire Cranbourne facility and enhancing those facilities was an important priority.
“I think Cranbourne is setting an example for the rest of the racing industry,” he said.
“I’m very keen to speak to stakeholders and also Racing Victoria in relation to the facilities at Cranbourne.”
Mr Hulls said Cranbourne was a great track and the only track in Victoria with the ability to run three codes of racing.
Its Tricodes Race Day will be held this Sunday.
“It’s also got magnificent training facilities and it’s important that we enhance those facilities (and) better utilise facilities at Cranbourne,” Mr Hulls said.
“Cranbourne’s clubs have shown that they are prepared to be ahead of the pack and that they are prepared to try something new in the Tricodes Race Day.”