OVER THE MOON-EE

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has approved the Moonee Valley Racecourse development through the state’s Development Facilitation Program, making it the biggest project greenlit through the accelerated planning pathway. This transformation from Hamton and Hostplus sits within the broader Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment, which includes rebuilding the public grandstand after this month’s Cox Plate.

Hamton managing director Matt Malseed said the next stage at Moonee Valley Park would be a “unique mixed-use precinct, and this collection of buildings would unlock further significant new housing supply for Melbourne’s inner north-west”.

Existing grandstands will be demolished to create space for 1,092 new homes across four apartment buildings. Beyond housing, the development brings a residential hotel and over 3,000 square metres of retail and office space to the area, with proximity to public transport, jobs and local amenities.

Green spaces are getting a boost too, with an extension of Tote Park planned alongside a new pedestrian link called Cox Place. A pocket park will pop up at the corner of Dean Street and Feehan Avenue.

The full spectrum of plans includes 8 precints:

Tote Park | Already open, and spread over half a hectare, the park evokes plenty of charm with spacious rolling lawn, serpentine gardens and a nature playground for families.

Stonepine Square | Built around the existing turn-of-the-century Stone Pine trees, this is an idyllic gathering space for a BBQ or a casual lunch. With Mediterranean themed plantings, locals can stroll and get together for work or play under shady pergolas draped with vines.

Cox Place | Cox Place will be the vibrant village heart of Moonee Valley Park. Paved with possibility day and night, Cox Place will provide access to shopping, dining, work and wellness. The community can gather, linger, dine, work and celebrate in this civic heart.

Rumpus | Kids can run free in the incredible destination playground that is made to skip, jump and roll over. Meanwhile parents can meet up and enjoy the alfresco spaces that blend into the park and supervise little ones with a latte in hand from the adjacent café, or enjoy a picnic with produce from Cox Place.

The Field | The fields of Moonee Valley Racecourse, reserved for racing for 30 days per year, will be transformed on non-racing days into a unique area for residents, workers, club members and visitors to get active and enjoy a dynamic, healthy lifestyle.

The Stalls | The Stalls at Moonee Valley Racecourse are situated in the historic spot where the racehorses gather on race days. On non-race days, this starting point will transform into an active place for the community to enjoy during the rest of the year.

The Valley | The Moonee Valley Racing Club is set to embark on the biggest transformation in the Club’s history – with a brand-new world class sporting and events’ grandstand that will serve members and the community for the next century.