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The Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment now has planning certainty, following changes to the planning controls gazetted by the Victorian Government.

“The Club commenced planning the Moonee Valley Racecourse Master Plan in 2010, and after a five-year process, we are delighted to confirm that the redevelopment of our 98 acre site is now able to proceed,” Moonee Valley Racing Club CEO Michael Browell said.

“The changes approved by the Minister for Planning, which, although stricter than those approved by the previous government, have been accepted by the Club as a reasonable compromise.”

The key amendments to the planning controls that have been applied to the Moonee Valley Racecourse include:

• Mandatory height controls on the residential interfaces on Thomas, McPherson and Dean Streets

• Discretionary and Preferred Maximum height controls within the heart of the Western Precinct

• Removal of the Comprehensive Development Zone on the Western Precinct and inclusion in the Moonee Ponds Activity Centre Zone

• Removal of the agreed developer contributions of $6,000 per dwelling. This has been replaced with a list of community infrastructure that is to be delivered by the Club

• Introduction of third party appeal rights at the Discretionary height limit

• No cap on the number of dwellings that can be constructed on the site

The development is expected to deliver around 2,000 homes on the western and north-east edges of the racecourse site, along with commercial and community facilities.

“After months of uncertainty, the Club is champing at the bit to proceed with the redevelopment,” Mr Browell said.

“The residential and commercial components of the project will help the Club to fund a new grandstand and track upgrades, delivering a modern, multi-function facility that will secure the racecourse’s future as a major state, national and international racing venue.”

The Club will now commence work with Moonee Valley City Council secure the necessary approvals and permits.

The project is expected to take 10-15 years to complete. The construction of the new Moonee Valley racecourse and grandstands is planned to be commence following the staging of the 100th W S Cox Plate in October 2020.