Hotel plans to be unveiled for Randwick

A four-star hotel will be built at Randwick racecourse as it continues its transformation into a premier racing and entertainment venue.

The NSW government and the Australian Turf Club (ATC) will on Thursday unveil plans for the trackside complex and name the hotel operator who will manage it.

The apartment hotel will provide accommodation, not just for racegoers but tourists and other people attending major events at the track.

A spokesperson for NSW Racing Minister George Souris declined to comment on any details about the hotel ahead of the scheduled announcement.

Leading Randwick trainer Gai Waterhouse said the idea of having a hotel at the racecourse was brilliant.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Waterhouse said.

“It brings people to the racecourse and they might end up spending their money there.”

Waterhouse said there were hotels at the world-class Sha Tin and Happy Valley racetracks in Hong Kong which worked well.

“Why wouldn’t they do it here,” she said.

Work is currently underway on a $150 million upgrade to Randwick with a state-of-the-art grandstand and 4500 seat horse viewing area being built.

Once completed, the revamped track will cater for a wide range of functions outside race days with a new 1000-seat ballroom, corporate suites and boxes and wining and dining facilities.

Construction began in November and is expected to be completed in time for the autumn carnival in 2013.

Crowd capacity at Randwick was down significantly at the recent autumn carnival due to the construction work.

Source: Just Horse Racing, 9 May 2012