THE CLUB STAND

The Victoria Racing Club is delighted to confirm that the construction of our new world-class Grandstand is proceeding as scheduled, due to be completed by the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The state-of-the-art Club Stand will boast five levels and house a huge variety of stunning restaurants and bars. The design will also honour the history of the Members' Old Grandstand, including a new and improved Members’ Dining Room and Members’ Bar. We have commenced unveiling each element of the stand as the build progresses and we move forward with our plans, with your first look inside revealing the interiors of the ground floor bars and the new look Members’ Betting Ring.

The next set of stunning venues include the Members’ Bar, Members’ Lawn, Seating Decks and the spectacular new addition to Flemington, The Roof Garden, offering unparalleled views of the course and the city. (hyperlink the yellow highlighted copy to the new page (details below).

MEET THE MAKERS 

Watch Kristen Whittle (Architect and Director) and Jeffrey Copolov (Interior Design Director) present the Club Stand's progress to date and take you inside the Club Stand for a first look at some of the interiors of the ground floor plus the new look Betting Ring. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and meet them afterwards.

During the construction of the Club Stand, The View and The Peak on levels 4 and 5 of The Grandstand have been reconfigured to accommodate all Members attending Flemington. Other facilities and offerings will be communicated to Members in the lead up to each raceday as required. 

Setting New Benchmarks

The dynamic design by award-winning architects Bates Smart is superior in quality and innovation. The curvilinear style embodies the spirit of Flemington and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, encouraging movement, socialisation and engagement. Facilities and finishes will be of the highest quality throughout, and the Club’s rich heritage will be preserved thorough familiar elements and new, modern updates.

With a significant increase on the Members’ Old Grandstand in the number of bars and restaurants, as well as the addition of a beautiful rooftop garden, the new Club Stand will be a sought-after raceday destination. Its superior views of the track and the course will afford Members the opportunity to enjoy Flemington, and the outstanding racing, like never before.

For more information please call VRC Customer Service on 1300 727 575.

Club Stand FAQs

What is the new Club Stand?

The new Club Stand will offer a superior event experience unsurpassed by any other racecourse in the world where visitors can enjoy the best hospitality, entertainment and racing.

Why is the VRC building the new Club Stand?

The VRC announced its Masterplan in 2010, with the construction of the new Club Stand our priority as the Members’ Old Grandstand approaches the end of its useful life. The Masterplan will ensure the VRC continues to deliver significant economic benefits to Victoria and retain its position as an internationally recognised major events venue.

What is the construction timeline?

The VRC is excited to announce it will start construction for the new Club Stand in mid-November this year and will be ready to enjoy at the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival. 

Who is the builder and why was this company selected?

The VRC has appointed Multiplex to manage the construction due to its strong credentials in delivering milestone projects including, Melbourne Convention Centre, Federation Square, Wembley Stadium and Crown Perth.

Who is the architect and why were they chosen?

The Club Stand has been designed by leading architectural firm Bates Smart due to its experience with milestone projects, which have included the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Federation Square and Crown Casino.

Will the construction of the Club Stand affect my raceday experience?

The VRC will do everything it can to ensure racegoers can continue to enjoy their raceday experience at Flemington during the construction phase. 

Where will Members go when the Club Stand is being built?

During the construction of the Club Stand, The View and The Peak on levels 4 and 5 of The Grandstand will be reconfigured to accommodate all Members attending Flemington. Other facilities and offerings will be communicated to Members in the lead up to each raceday as required.

How is VRC celebrating the Members’ Old Grandstand?

There will be a number of ways from now until the end of this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival to participate in celebrating 92 years of memories in the Members’ Old Grandstand.

How much will the new Club Stand cost?

The Club Stand is expected to cost $128 million.

The new Club Stand forms part of a $135 million project at Flemington Racecourse, reinforcing the VRC’s commitment to frequently invest in infrastructure and technology to enhance the raceday experience for Members, event patrons, industry participants and the local community.

How is the Club Stand being funded?

We are proud to be working with the government, industry and a number of partners to bring the Club Stand to life, marking the next step in the Club’s renewal plans for Flemington Racecourse.

How many jobs will be created?

The project will see an estimated 350 people employed during the planned 20 month construction period with significant flow-on benefits for the Victorian economy.

How will the Club Stand benefit industry?

The Club Stand is one example of how the VRC is committed to continually investing in infrastructure to enhance Flemington Racecourse for the benefit of racing participants. 

Will this be the last time people will experience the Melbourne Cup Carnival from the Members’ Old Grandstand?

With the new Club Stand firmly in our sights, this year will mark the last time Members experience the Melbourne Cup Carnival from the Members' Old Grandstand.

Will there be an opportunity for Members to purchase a special memento of Members' Old Grandstand?

The VRC is currently working through the specific details however Members will be given the opportunity to purchase certain items being salvaged from the stand prior to demolition. Please visit the online auction webpage for further information.