Multiplex completes new Club Stand at Flemington

Designed by Bates Smart Architects, the iconic five-level Club Stand has set a new benchmark for racecourse facilities and represents the 10th grandstand to be built at Flemington since 1865.

"We are thrilled to complete this iconic new Club Stand for the VRC and ensure that this event destination remains one of Australia's most outstanding sporting venues. The Club Stand celebrates the rich history and character of Flemington Racecourse and will deliver a new and exciting experience to racing patrons," said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director Victoria at Multiplex.

VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott said the Club is delighted to reach this significant milestone ahead of its hallmark events in the spring racing season.

"We congratulate Multiplex on its success in bringing Bates Smart's vision for the Club Stand to life. We look forward to preparing the finishing touches to The Club Stand before the start of the racing season," Mrs Elliott said.

According to Multiplex, construction of The Club Stand generated an estimated 350 full-time equivalent jobs over the 18-month construction period with a peak workforce of 435 workers on site.

Complexities faced during construction include working in a 'live' horse training environment at Flemington Racecourse, having to schedule works around noise restrictions and non-working racedays.

Approximately 1,500 tonnes of steel were used during construction with one tower crane and up to six mobile cranes on-site each day during the main structural steel construction period.

A signature feature of the project is the 'petal' projections which form the perimetre of the Stand at each floor. They were constructed using 90 precast panels each weighing up to 30 tonnes.

ESD features include recycled plastic used to build the Grandstand bench seats.

The Club Stand is designed to celebrate the rich history and character of Flemington Racecourse. It offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Mounting Yard, race track, Members Lawn, Parade Ring, Betting Ring and Winning Post.

An external walkway on the first floor wraps around The Club Stand and is connected to the existing Members Grandstand and Parade Ring. A new north-south corridor forms the heart of the new Club Stand and links the Betting Ring with the Members Lawn and Mounting Yard.

The Members Lawn is seamlessly linked to function spaces on Level One by a grand sloping tier of seating encompassing viewing platforms and gardens. On Level Four, The Roof Garden offers landscaped areas with open and enclosed spaces beneath canopies, a signature design element of The Club Stand's architecture.

Multiplex has strong credentials delivering high-profile landmark projects across Australia including the Melbourne Convention Centre, Federation Square and Crown Perth. It also has specialist experience in delivering world-class entertainment facilities to the racing industry, including the successful redevelopment of Randwick Racecourse for Australian Turf Club in 2013.