Julia Gillard has made moving forward a catchcry in recent weeks but the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) wants to make it a reality with its ambitious plan to transform Randwick racecourse.The AJC revealed details on Tuesday of the redevelopment of Sydney's famous racing precinct, saying the state government grant of $150 million was a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn Randwick into a multi-purpose venue.The $150 million is contingent on a merger between the AJC and the Sydney Turf Club (STC)
Julia Gillard has made moving forward a catchcry in recent weeks but the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) wants to make it a reality with its ambitious plan to transform Randwick racecourse.
The AJC revealed details on Tuesday of the redevelopment of Sydney's famous racing precinct, saying the state government grant of $150 million was a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn Randwick into a multi-purpose venue.
The $150 million is contingent on a merger between the AJC and the Sydney Turf Club (STC) which will receive $24 million for upgrades to facilities at Rosehill.
AJC vice chairman John Cornish urged members to vote for the merger to generate the funds for the proposed changes which include revamping grandstands and public facilities, building a hotel and licensed club as well as new stables.
"It's broken, let's fix it," Cornish said.
"Racing has been in denial, there is a lot of competition from Sky, TVN and the TAB which makes it hard to attract crowds.
"And when we do get them here, the facilities are no good.
"We only race here 40 days a year. We already hold other events but we haven't scratched the surface of the events that could be staged here."
Stage one of the Randwick development, which includes new access routes to the course, has already been completed by the AJC which will provide an additional $85 million to the $150 million to complete stages three and four.
The "Theatre of the Horse" will be a state-of-the-art parade ring behind the grandstands with a seating capacity of 4500.
One of the features would be an owners' stand with food and beverage facilities.
"We are dedicated to doing something for the owners," Cornish said.
"They are the least catered for group in racing and we want them to bring their friends.
"It is the friend who will be the next person to buy a racehorse especially if the one he backs wins."
The existing members' stand will also undergo a facelift but as a heritage-listed building, its features will be retained.
Double-storey stabling complexes will be built on course but trainers will be given the option of staying in their old yards if they wish.
The new stable blocks will be air conditioned and access to the training tracks will be by tunnel.
Cornish said the addition of a hotel had the support of the racecourse's nearest neighbours, the University of NSW and the Prince of Wales Hospital.
"We have discussed it with both the university and the hospital who would welcome a hotel," he said.
"They have many visitors each year who cannot find accommodation in the area."
AJC chief executive Darren Pearce said August 26 was the planned date for the members' meeting to vote on the merger.
The STC has not yet announced a date for its members' vote.