The Australian Turf Club (ATC) has lodged plans with NSW Planning for a seven-storey hotel and function centre at Royal Randwick Racecourse to create new accommodation and entertainment opportunities trackside.
The seven-storey mixed-use hotel development would comprising tourist and visitor accommodation, a registered club, ancillary function space, food and drink premises and ancillary parking, servicing and loading.
The features of the hotel would include:
- one basement level with 21 car parking spaces, one loading bay, hotel back-of-house, rainwater tank, storage and end-of-trip facilities
- hotel facilities including ground level foyer, restaurant and bar, ancillary office space, and five levels of rooms accommodating a total of 190 hotel keys
- shared hotel amenities, including pool and gym on level 1
- three function rooms with associated pre-function and terrace spaces
- a registered club known as ‘the Jockey Club’, including club lounge and gaming facilities.
- outdoor terraces associated with the hotel and the Jockey Club
- plant and rooftop solar photovoltaics system
The hotel would be situated at the current location of the Oaks Marquee, with the relocation of an existing Port Jackson Fig tree.
“The new hotel will be an exciting addition to the raceday experience for spectators and the community,” a spokesman for the Australian Turf Club said.
“The inclusion of the Jockey Club and other spectator-friendly facilities will enhance the racing experience for customers.
“The hotel showcases sweeping views of the racetrack including the iconic Royal Randwick home straight.
“The $94-million extension will be able to accommodate 2649 punters, create almost 900 construction and ongoing jobs and inject around $211 million each year into the economy.’’
NSW Department of Planning and Environment Executive Director Anthea Sargeant invited the community to have its say on a proposal for the new mixed-use development to be built at the northern end of the track.
“The Australian Turf Club has unveiled plans for the seven-storey hotel at Royal Randwick Racecourse, which is currently on public display for feedback until 26 October,” Sargeant said.
“It’s the next chapter in the evolution of Royal Randwick after the venue recently received NSW Planning approval to host up to 16-night racing events between October and April each year.
“It will offer accommodation next to the track and support the growth of the equine industry by capitalising on the existing precinct, which has been operating for more than 150 years.
As part of the department’s rigorous assessment process, Australian Turf Club will have to respond to all input received. Sargeant said if approved, the project would be a unique tourism drawcard and attract more interstate and overseas visitors to Sydney.
More information on the proposal can be found at the NSW Planning Portal.
