The ATC has today announced it is starting major improvements work at both Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens. It says the club is entering a growth and investment phase following its recent profit announcement.

Suggestions that have come from member forums held at recent Saturday meetings, along with feedback from customers since the redeveloped Royal Randwick returned to full operation, have played a major part in the works.

Early work on a reversible escalator from the Level 1 seating deck to ground level at Royal Randwick has commenced.

This will allow easier movement for owners and members to the winner’s stall and weigh in area, as well as back to the betting ring and Longines Winning Owners Room.

Extra seating on level 1 outside the restaurant areas will be made available to Members and ticket holders on race days and be accessible via the new escalator.

The Ballroom spaces on Level 2 will be opened for ATC Members on race days, where event spaces are not pre-sold, offering projector screens, wagering facilities and food and beverages, which will also open up further outdoor seating trackside on Level 2.

At Rosehill Gardens, the ATC will begin a major refurbishment of members and public areas, spending a further $16 million of a one-off grant from the NSW Government.

Among the major works and improvements at Rosehill Gardens, some of which are to start in coming weeks, are:

• Major refurbishment of members, public bar and restaurant areas, including the Winning Post restaurant and Champagne Bar, and the Ascot Restaurant.

• Enclosing the betting ring and moving it for members and the general public further inside the JR Fleming Stand on the current level, with work to begin immediately after the Golden Slipper Festival.

ATC CEO Darren Pearce said the Club’s Board and Executive had carefully taken time to listen to Members and the public before making plans and then starting work.

“We have always wanted to make sure that the bulk of the $24 million grant from the NSW Government for Rosehill Gardens was spent wisely, and for any improvements to last well into the future,’’ Pearce said.

“At Royal Randwick we have again listened carefully to members, owners, trainers and all of our customers as everyone has become accustomed to a facility which is still new.

As we now continue to reduce legacy debt and improve the club’s profitability, we can now enter a period of rewarding our members and all of our customers with improved facilities.’’