Horseracing

 Eagle Farm, Queensland 

Lead Architects: Hassell + RWA Sports Architecture 

RWA’s contribution to the Eagle Farm Racecourse redevelopment over the past 10 years culminates in their current involvement in the design of new John Power Grandstand, affectionately otherwise known as ‘The Terraces’. In partnership with local architects, Hassell Studios Brisbane, RWA are leading the design of this groundbreaking project that will incorporate market leading hospitality spaces for members, corporates and public. Conceived as a series of shifting landscape terraces that rise from track level as a collection of horizontal plates that capture views to the home straight, parade ring, videoscreen and winning post.

 Eagle Farm, Queensland 

Lead Architects: Hassell + RWA Sports Architecture 

 RWA’s contribution to the Eagle Farm Racecourse redevelopment over the past 10 years culminates in their current involvement in the design of new John Power Grandstand, affectionately otherwise known as ‘The Terraces’. In partnership with local architects, Hassell Studios Brisbane, RWA are leading the design of this groundbreaking project that will incorporate market leading hospitality spaces for members, corporates and public. Conceived as a series of shifting landscape terraces that rise from track level as a collection of horizontal plates that capture views to the home straight, parade ring, videoscreen and winning post.

 Eagle Farm, Queensland 

Lead Architect: RWA Sports Architecture 

The redevelopment of Eagle Farm Racecourse includes major refurbishment to the existing grandstands and patron areas. Many of the grandstands are heritage listed requiring a sensitive design approach to preserve and showcase these unique buildings as part of the redevelopment. The John Power Stand will undergo a significant refurbishment to improve patron areas and solve a number of operational issues within the existing building.  A similar approach is envisaged for the refurbishment of the adjacent Paddock Stand and Members Stand.  New horse float parking areas will allow visiting horse floats to load and unload within close proximity to the existing day stalls and parade ring.

 Caulfield, Victoria

Principal Consultant: Hassell+NH Architecture+RWA

RWA teamed up with Hassell Studios Melbourne and NH Architecture to create an ambitious 20-year masterplan for the Caulfield Racecourse to deliver MRC’s vision for the site. The redevelopment seeks to cement the venue as a world class racing, event and recreation facility for members, guests and the local community to enjoy for generations to come. Major changes are proposed to create state-of-the-art facilities including grandstands, horse stalls, mounting yard, arrival areas and public realm. With the addition of a second racetrack and opportunity for lighting, the venue will provide a completely new world-class horse racing experience that celebrate the ‘theatre of racing’. A new multi-purpose event facility provides competitive offerings to host more diverse types of events, both during and outside of racing season.

Perth, Western Australia

Principal Consultant: RWA Sports Architecture 

Located along Perth’s Swan River, Ascot Racecourse is Western Australia’s preeminent racetrack with a popular summer racing season.  Ascot Racecourse is managed by Perth Racing, formerly the Western Australia Turf Club (WATC), with headquarters adjoining the racecourse.  As part of the evolving requirements of the racetrack, RWA were commissioned to design and document an expansive new oncourse stable complex that could incorporate over 400 stables.  The design proposes a combination of private and shared amenities including exercise areas, sandrolls, washdown bays and horsewalkers with secure circulation routes to and from the racetrack at all times.  

Eagle Farm, Queensland

Lead Architect: Populous

Engaged to perform architectural services as an employee of Populous: Ralph Wheeler

Eagle Farm is Queensland’s premier racecourse. Its recent redevelopment involved relocating a number of existing facilities to the track infield. This ground breaking project was the first of its kind in the Australia setting a new standard for elite racecourses. The relocation freed-up land owned by the Brisbane Racing Club enabling new mixed-use and mid-rise residential redevelopment, ensuring the Club's long term financial sustainability. The new infield comprises 420 new stables and training facilities, new member’s carpark, large format videoboard, maintenance facilities, vehicular and pedestrian tunnels, and a multi-purpose entry pavilion. The modular stable buildings and courtyards are a cost effective solution that maximises passive design principles for cross ventilation, shade and cooling. Vehicle and horse movement have been separated to minimise cross flows and promote horse safety.

Happy Valley and Sha Tin Racecourses 

Lead Architect: Populous 

Engaged to perform architectural services as an employee of Populous: Ralph Wheeler

The Hong Kong Jockey Club masterplan aims to capture a range of design issues, limitations and opportunities explored over the course of a twelve month study period for both the Happy Valley Racecourse and Sha Tin Racecourse. It also includes in-depth analysis of customer segmentation and customer experiential investigations. Designed as a series of implementation phases over a 15 years time frame, the overall masterplan scope includes over $2.0B of new building works, refurbishment, infrastructure and landscaping. Importantly these works are carefully sequenced to ensure minimal interruption to the racing calendar and the Club’s core business.

 Penang, Malaysia 

Lead Architect: Populous 

Engaged to perform architectural services as an employee of Populous: Ralph Wheeler

This un-built project involved the construction of a new racecourse in Batu Kawan, Malaysia. The proposed site was on a palm oil estate which presented some substantial engineering challenges. The land needed to be filled above local flood levels and the track elevated to ensure that there was no possibility of seawater back flow along the proposed drainage systems. The main grandstand was designed as an elevated pod above a tiered open concourse. Internally the grandstand building design catered for 5,000 spectators with space for an additional 10,000 spectators spread across the adjacent terraces. Unfortunately, unresolved negotiations between the client group and developer prevented this project from being constructed.