Melbourne Racing Club has revealed concept plans for its new grandstand at Caulfield Racecourse – known as Grand Pavilion – designed as a multi-purpose sport and entertainment facility by architecture studio Woods Bagot.

Grand Pavilion is the cornerstone of MRC’s racecourse masterplan, which creates a market leading racing, event and recreation destination.

MRC Chairman Matt Cain told the Herald-Sun Grand Pavilion will enhance member and visitor experience on race days and “take our non-racing events to another level”.

Woods Bagot principal and project lead Bruno Mendes says Grand Pavilion is a “next generation grandstand where people come to celebrate, socialise and be electrified by the thrill of racing.’’

He says: “It will be a precinct which is experience led, socially dynamic, fuelled by diverse food and beverage experiences and a new hospitality destination beyond racing.’’

Grand Pavilion is unlike any other Australian racecourse grandstand.

“From a race day experience point of view it will be a unique, full in the round experience — activated on all four sides with day stalls, mounting yards, racetrack and a heritage precinct to the other,’’ Mendes says.

“There is no back to this building and it will be visually and functionally porous on all four sides on all levels.”

There will be a multitude of hospitality options and event spaces, says Mendes, adding: “It will be a precinct that supports the local community and cultural activation.”

If all goes to plan, construction of Grand Pavilion will start late next year and be finished in time for the 2026 spring carnival.

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Martin Kelly
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