The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) in Melbourne has approved a list of initiatives aimed at maintaining Flemington’s position at the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing in Australia.
VRC chairman Michael Burn said a review of operations undertaken by the VRC Board had led to the decision “to fund a rollout of significant customer focused infrastructure upgrades in what is clearly a difficult economic climate”.
Improvements will be made to public facilities and construction of a new Members’ grandstand will begin after the 2015 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“Significant upgrades to the technology infrastructure over the next 12 months, including high density Wi-Fi and a new electronic payment system for patrons, will see Flemington become a global reference site for racecourse technology,” said Burn.
The first phase of a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the public access Hill Stand is already underway.
The Flemington Tabaret is also being refurbished, and will be reopened as the Headquarters Tavern in time for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.
This will provide additional year-round entertainment facilities at Flemington for the public.
Flemington is home to the world’s largest member-based race club.
by Ian Jarrett
