Located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the Royal Randwick has long been home to the city's racing scene.

Visitors are set to experience a new standard of racing and hospitality, one that exudes a modern and sophisticated ambience as the Royal Randwick undergoes a drastic transformation.

So ladies, get ready to don on your favorite dress and fabulous heels. And gents, spruce up and dust off that dinner suit for a day at the races... in complete style.

Opening in early 2013, in collaboration with the Australian Turf Club (ATC), Woods Bagot has been charged with the re-design for the interiors of the AUD 150 million redevelopment with a vision to reignite the destination as the heart of Sydney racing and entertainment.

“This is an opportunity to redefine and elevate the ‘proposition’ of Royal Randwick as a destination for racing and inner-city events. The design intent is to use materials and forms to create portals that will frame key areas and create a visual and functional hierarchy,” said Amanda Stanaway, Senior Associate, Woods Bagot.

A bold and graphic design language has been used to assist and define the diverse range of spaces that will form part of the redevelopment, and the space speaks to an array of demographics the venue is set to attract.

“The journey of the consumer and accessibility to ‘spaces’ within the new fitout will be critical to the design's success. In addition, its boldness, scale, color and light were also central in capturing the energy and enabling dynamic movement across the new spaces,” said Wade Little, Senior Associate, Woods Bagot.

So, what new spaces can visitors expect? In summary, the Royal Randwick redevelopment will:

- Deliver world-class spectator, dining and entertainment
  facilities for racing and events;
- Feature a new "Theatre of the Horse" parade ring which
  will cater to 4,500 seated and standing patrons and
  create a level of anticipation and theatre not seen at
  Australian courses;
- Increase seating capacity in the QEII and Paddock
  Grandstand by 112 percent;
- Offer new corporate boxes and a range of event lounges,
  dining and hospitality spaces;
- Be constructed with flexible floorplates and configurations
  that will enable the facility to host a number of multi-purpose
  events.  

ATC Chief Executive Darren Pearce said the redevelopment will be the biggest investment in a Sydney sporting facility since the Sydney Olympics, marking a new era not only in racing, but in the larger leisure and entertainment market.

“Royal Randwick will be transformed into the most sophisticated racing and entertainment venue in Australia,” Mr. Pearce said.

Final concept designs for The Chairman's Club and The Corporate Suites are available to view [take a peek]. 

The interior design concepts and elements used will reinforce the architectural design and form undertaken by fitzpatrick+partners. The ATC’s brief to base building architect fitzpatrick+partners was to create a new world-class grand stand and "Theatre of the Horse" parade ring.

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