Racing

Flemington's new Club Stand officially opens

Austadiums • Friday 19th October 2018
Flemington Racecourse Club Stand

The Victorian Racing Club recently opened its new $128 million Club Stand at Flemington Racecourse, featuring spectacular interiors unrivalled by any event venue in Australia or around the world.

It is the tenth grandstand built at the famous Melbourne racetrack since 1865 and sits alongside the existing five-level Members Grandstand which itself set a new standard when it opened back in 2000, and the Lawn Stand, giving the venue a capacity of over 100,000.

Built by Multiplex and designed by Bates Smart, the Club Stand opened its doors back on September 10, but will officially be opened on AAMI Victoria Derby Day during the upcoming 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The luxurious grandstand has an eye-catching sculptural design, cool contemporary interiors and a spectacular rooftop garden. It replaces the historic old members grandstand, increasing capacity from 6,500 to more than 10,000 (including seating for 2,000) and introducing a range of impressive new facilities for members which are truly world-class.

Inspired by the shape of the race track and its rose gardens, the curvilinear stand was designed in the round so there are uninterrupted views of the course, the winning post and Melbourne’s city skyline.

The lobby feels more like a five-star hotel with a grand central staircase connecting the five levels which includes two upmarket restaurants, three cafes and eight bars, all with their own individual style.

The new Members Dining Room is elegant, comfortable and rich in racing tradition. Members will feel at home in this warm and inviting space where equine artwork that pays homage to the Club’s history, sits seamlessly alongside contemporary finishes.

The upmarket Byerley restaurant on level three offers a premium dining experience on par with Melbourne’s best restaurants. While the contemporary Straight Six bistro offers a vibrant atmosphere.

There’s no shortage of bars and each has its own personality. From the Members Bar which celebrates the spirit of the VRC and Flemington’s storied past, to the G.H.Mumm Champagne Bar. The stylish Bluegrass Bar on level three offers spectacular cocktails and inventive new drinks while up on level four, the Roof Garden is destined to take its place as one of Melbourne’s coolest social destinations, featuring stunning views like nowhere else.

The Roof Garden is unlike anything we have seen at venues across Australia and internationally. World-class bars and food outlets are complemented by a stylish garden setting, which really embodies the essence and spirit of a marquee during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Six years in the planning, Flemington’s new Club Stand was completed in 20 months, despite the project initially being delayed after a $45 million deal by the VRC to sell adjoining land to help fund the grandstand fell over in 2016.

The Club Stand marks the VRC's next step in its renewal plans at Flemington and the Victorian Government, Racing Victoria and Tabcorp have supported the project to ensure the racecourse retains its position as a 'must visit' world-class sporting, entertainment and tourism venue in Australia. 

The end result is truly spectacular and cements Flemington Racecourse not only as the best in Australia, but arguably the best in the world.

Flemington Racecourse

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The Victorian Racing Club recently opened its new $128 million Club Stand at Flemington Racecourse, featuring spectacular interiors unrivalled by any event venue in Australia or around the world.
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