Moonee Valley Clubhouse with Hotel Wins Approval

An 83-key boutique hotel is part of plans for a clubhouse now approved for one of Australia’s premier racetracks.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club has revealed plans for the redevelopment of its grandstand and clubhouse precinct on the back of planning permits being unanimously approved by the City of Moonee Valley.

The announcement comes after permit approval was granted for the redevelopment of the existing racetrack and infield this year as part of a $200-million future-proofing.

The plans included a hotel on levels three to five of the new six-storey clubhouse, with a a mix of room layouts and sizes “to attract a broad demographic of local and international guests”, the club said. 

A rooftop bar will be above the boutique hotel on level six.

A wellness centre will be on the ground level and includes a gym, outdoor lap pool and change facilities.

“The wellness centre will be accessible to racegoers and members of the community, as part of the MVRC’s overarching masterplan strategy to appeal to a broader customer base beyond racing,” the club said.

The hotel, wellness centre and all new hospitality offerings will be owned and operated by the club, in line with its repositioning as a sports, entertainment and community precinct.

Also approved is a new grandstand building that will feature new bars, dining areas, terrace seating and private suites for racegoers and club members.

The multi-storey building will be activated primarily for racing days and events.  

▲ Perhaps best known for the WS Cox Plate—an annual Group One, weight-for-age race—the club is also a leading night racing venue.

“The approval … provides certainty to the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s redevelopment, and delivering on the club’s repositioning as a mixed-use sports and entertainment precinct,” club chief executive Michael Browell said.

“Through the inclusion of a residential hotel and wellness centre, the club can open its doors to the public 365 days a year and ensure its legacy as part of the local landscape for years to come.”  

Designed by Cox Architecture, the grandstand and clubhouse precinct is on the southern side of Wilson Street, the northern side of Dean Street and the western side of Citylink. 

Traffic congestion has been considered within the permit application, with 166 additional carparks for racegoers, staff and community members in the basement levels of the grandstand and clubhouse.

Construction is to begin after the 2025 Cox Plate in October, with completion anticipated in time for running the 2027 Cox Plate.