By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
IT EMPLOYS around 220 local residents, holds more than 100 race meetings across harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing and now boasts multiple function centres for up to 800 people.
The Cranbourne Turf Club has undergone a $4.3 million upgrade to its function centre and opened its rooms to the public last night (Tuesday).
Part funded by the State Government, CEO at the club Neil Bainbridge said the extensive works were finished in October last year and he would like to see more local events held in the new facility.
“At the moment we are holding about 60 non-race day functions a year and we’ve got a strong local push.
“There are a lot of people who travel outside of Casey to hold their events, so hopefully this can be an option for them,” Mr Bainbridge said.
The Legends Room on the ground floor now has the capacity to hold a cocktail function for up to 800 people and a seated event for around 550 people.
“Under our previous layout some of the larger function rooms could only seat about 150 to 180 people, now the rooms can be separated and we have the ability to hold different events at the same time,” Mr Bainbridge said.
A commercial grade kitchen was installed and three satellite kitchens to be able to service multiple parties at once, and one room has already been booked out for Saturday 12 September.
The Champions Room which can seat up to 150 people was the pick of choice for Casey Grammar School’s 21st Anniversary dinner dance.
President of the schools Parents and Friends Committee Bharti Green said ‘the views from level two are absolutely beautiful, day and night.’
“Everything won us over about this venue, it’s very accommodating and from a dance floor to mingling tables, a presentation space and a sit down dinner it delivers it all.
“Parking is great, the space is beautifully presented, we have a wide range of dishes to pick from for a three-course meal, we’ve got security on the night and we will definitely book events here again,” Ms Green said.
The turf club is also expecting the $6 million on-course stabling project to be completed as early as December this year.
