- Rosehill Racecourse converted into a railway station
- Proposal creates 250,000 homes and ‘mini city’
- Confirmation that the Metro West rail project will go ahead
The NSW government has unveiled a tightly packaged proposal that could convert a major Sydney racecourse into a new metro station, entertainment precinct and space for up to 25,000 homes, effectively creating a mini-city.
Under the plans, Rosehill Racecourse in the city’s west will be moved to other properties owned by the Australian Turf Club (ATC), which approached the government with the idea.
The main announcement is confirmation that one of Australia’s most expensive infrastructure projects – Metro West – will go ahead after NSW Premier Chris Minss toyed with scrapping the idea.
While the ATC will retain the site, funds from the major development are estimated to inject up to $5 billion into Sydney’s racing industry, including opportunities such as racing, training and infrastructure facilities and stabling locations.
Under the plans, Rosehill Racecourse in the west of the city will be relocated to other Australian Turf Club properties (pictured)
The main announcement is confirmation that one of Australia’s most expensive infrastructure projects – Metro West – will go ahead after NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) toyed with scrapping the idea
Although the plan will now be subject to the government’s unsolicited proposals process, the ATC has already signed a memorandum of understanding.
Income from the development would be invested in a new training center at Horsley Park, while a site at Warwick Farm will also be developed into a new circuit, including a complete rebuild of the training, stabling and spectator facilities.
A redevelopment of the Canterbury Park Racecourse and an expansion of the stables and training facilities at the Royal Randwick Racecourse have also been highlighted.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the proposal as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” that would secure the future of racing in NSW and build more housing.
“The government sees this as an opportunity to get its money’s worth and build more homes, close to transport links, with plenty of green space for new families,” he said.
“This is exactly the kind of proposal my government has been talking about for the past six months.
‘The fact is that we have a housing crisis: we are not building enough houses. The more supply we have, the more we can reduce pressure on the cost of living, whether for renters or those looking to buy their own home.”
ATC chairman Peter McGauran said it was a huge investment for the future of racing in Sydney.
“This future-proofs racing in Sydney for a century,” Mr McGauran said.
“It will make Sydney racing the best, most modern and most financially secure jurisdiction in the world.”
