Moonee Valley Racecourse $150m rebuild: on track, but no planning application yet

Moonee Valley Racing Club chief executive Michael Browell said the club was almost at the final point in its traffic report for the $150 million project.

MOONEE VALLEY REVAMP GAINS $150M GREEN LIGHT

But council chief executive Bryan Lancaster said there was still a lot of work to be done before a final decision was made on a proposed development for the site.

“No formal planning application has been lodged with council,” Mr Lancaster said.

“Council planning staff are in discussions with the racing club to ensure that prior to submitting a formal application, they adequately address a range of issues, including the approval of an integrated traffic and transport plan.”

He said the draft plan was being analysed by council, and that there needed to be an agreement on traffic measures required to minimise impacts on the surrounding area.

Mr Browell said the traffic report was due to be completed in coming weeks, with the club going to market next week in search of a development partner.

He said it was a four-month process to engage with the developer community and lock in a partner, and the club would continue to work with the council during that time to finalise areas of heritage, traffic, public open space and developer contributions.

It is expected a developer will be locked in and the application lodged early next year.

“I understand completely that we are working through a sequential process with the council,” Mr Bromwell said.

“We don’t want to wait until the traffic studies are finished.

“We want to engage with the development community (while) in the background continuing to work closely with council to tick all boxes.”

The plans include 2000 dwellings and a new grandstand, with works due to get under way after the 100th Cox Plate in 2020.