Sandown Redevelopment Takes Next Steps
The latest step in the ongoing redevelopment process at Sandown Raceway has arrived, with public consultation now open to assist in crafting the future direction of the historic suburban Melbourne venue.
Following an initial assessment that ran through April 2024, public consultation opened on May 20th and is scheduled to run through June 24th, 2024.
Following that, there will be a directions hearing on the 17th of July 2024, a public hearing from the week of 12th of August 2024 through to the 2nd of October 2024, before a report is presented to the Minister for Planning in November this year.
The Victorian Minister for Planning has appointed the Sandown Advisory Committee to assist in considering whether the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme Amendment should be approved and in what form.
The Committee comprises Kathy Mitchell AM (Chair), William O’Neil (Deputy Chair), Geoff Underwood (Deputy Chair), Noelene Duff PSM, Prof Rob Adams AM and Peter Edwards.
The public is encouraged to take the survey form on this page.
The Melbourne Racing Club’s Proposal
As previously reported, the MRC is examining the feasibility of changing the approval of the 112-hectare Sandown site to allow the construction of up to 7,500 homes.
Amongst the submitted changes to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme are numerous rezones, from Special Use Zone, Urban, Floodway Zone and General Residential Zone to the
Comprehensive Development Zone, with other conditions seeking to remove the Heritage Overlay on the grounds.
The MRC notes on their website FAQs:
What will happen to motorsport at Sandown Racecourse?
Motorsport Australia and site users have been consulted on the proposed rezoning of Sandown Racecourse. Should redevelopment of the land occur, motorsport and associated uses will cease. In April 2023, the State Government announced Avalon Airport Precinct as the proposed site for the new home of Victorian Motorsport. This aligns with the 2022-32 Victorian Motorsport Infrastructure and Participation Strategy by Motorsport Australia. Funding to undertake design, master planning and site due diligence for the new home of Victorian motorsport was included in the 2023 Victorian State Budget.
The MRC further states that “Ceasing horse racing at Sandown Racecourse requires approval from MRC members.”
Further information on the matter can be found at:
Via the Engage Victoria site – Sandown Racecourse Advisory Committee
Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme Amendment C229gdan
Melbourne Racing Club Sandown Racecourse Rezoning
Outside of the online resources, documents can be viewed at:
- Dandenong Customer Service Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
- Parkmore Customer Service Centre, Parkmore Shopping Centre, Shop A7, Cheltenham Road, Keysborough Springvale
- Community Hub Customer Service Centre, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale
The Sandown Story
The ongoing tale of the future of Sandown Racecourse has been a long-winded one.
In short, Sandown is owned by the Melbourne Racing Club, the same body that leases the facilities at the Caufield Racecourse, a venue that has recently attracted greater attention and backing from the horse racing industry.
Motorsport at Sandown has seemingly had a finite lifespan for some time, with the encroachment of residential areas on all sides, plus the restriction of only being able to run five car race meetings a year.
Mark Walker (administrator)
A vastly experienced Motorsport Public Relations operator, journalist, commentator and photographer, Mark brings his unique angle to The Race Torque in both words and imagery. As well as serving as our key photographer on the ground at major events around Australia (and overseas), Walker will often chime in with his unique and pin-point sharp viewpoint of the racing world via the keyboard too.
