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The transformation of Eagle Farm racecourse into a world class facility is underway with Brisbane Racing Club releasing the vision for its $37 million infield redevelopment.

The release of the state-of-the-art plans comes following the recent completion of the $10 million State Government funded redevelopment of the course proper and announcement of a $12 million Treasury loan for the tunnels and infield flood works to get underway.

In revealing the plans BRC General Manager – Property Jeff Kahler confirmed that BRC would fund the final $25 million stage of the Eagle Farm infield works.

“The first steps in the Brisbane Racing Club’s vision to turn Eagle Farm into a world class racing and training centre were taken six months ago when the course proper was dug up and a hybrid kikuyu grass was sewn”, Kahler said.

“That process has been completed and the course proper already is in incredibly healthy condition with still a full growing season ahead before racing resumes at Eagle Farm.

“Now it is time to get the two tunnels built. This will unlock the infield which will become a vital asset for the Queensland racing industry and allow for the residential and commercial development of prized space within our cherished Eagle Farm precinct”.

The new look Eagle Farm infield development will include construction of 400 stables, the world’s first major stable complex to be constructed on the infield.

“Many major training centres around the world have stables on course but Eagle Farm will be the leader in positioning the training Hub infield,” Kahler said.

“These stabling complexes will be world class, with rooftop viewing platforms, a BBQ hospitality area, 24 hour CCTV security, ultra-modern waste collection and individual private offices with full services and amenities”.

Also included in the infield development will be members and public parking for over 1000 vehicles.

Plans include an attractive entry point for racegoers to be welcomed by a bold and inviting walkway into a racing experience at Eagle Farm which will take Queensland racing into an exciting new level.

“The BRC has undertaken this project with a clear direction to present a pleasant aspect across the course from the two grandstands on race days and landscaping will be a vital component of the infield works.

“From the first row of seats on level one of the grandstands you will be able to look out across the new infield complex and see the jockeys’ colours in the back straight”.

While plans for the new stables and infield were released today, work is already full steam ahead with major earthworks underway on the first tunnel section from Nudgee Rd to the infield.

Kahler confirmed that BRC has been working in consultation with trainers for several months to reduce the short-term impacts on training during construction.

“There will be some short term pain for Eagle Farm-based trainers as we now embark on the implementation phase.

“BRC track staff have held consultation and information meetings with trainers and set up training and horse movement regulations to maximise security for horses and work riders”.

Training at Eagle Farm will shut down after this Saturday 12 September, with Doomben to be the centre for training while the necessary cutting of the tunnel across all tracks is completed.

Eagle Farm will re-open with a “horseshoe” training circuit in mid-November while construction of the vehicular tunnel is in its final stages, with full circuit training at Eagle Farm to restart in February 2016.

The planned return for racing at Eagle Farm is on track for May 2016, in time for the Brisbane Racing Carnival’s Oaks and Stradbroke Day meetings. The infield stables are due to be completed by September next year.

Last week, the Brisbane Racing Club reached another milestone in its $1.2B masterplan, with the signing of highly respected property group Mirvac to deliver the $850M Eagle Farm Residential Precinct.

“Preliminary research has given Mirvac and the BRC confidence there will be considerable demand for upmarket apartments in such a unique environment,” Mr Kahler said.

“The first high rise apartments should be selling off the plan early in the New Year and there will never be a similar aspect available in Brisbane.

“This is a unique opportunity for the Brisbane Racing Club and Mirvac to deliver a world first residential project in Queensland’s premier thoroughbred racing centre.”