The South Australian Jockey Club has selected national developer Villawood Properties and Australian superannuation giant Hostplus to help deliver a once-in-a generation $350 million vision for Morphettville Racecourse.
The joint venture partners will work with the SAJC to redevelop 7.5ha of rezoned land between the racetrack’s home turn and Anzac Highway with high-quality housing and apartments, commercial, specialty retail and community spaces.
Key features of the $350 million racecourse masterplan include:
- A new community plaza, linking Anzac Highway to Morphettville, which will be available for year-round events and create a grand entry to the racecourse;
- Mixed use apartment buildings with more than 150 residences;
- A supermarket, shops, hospitality outlets, a new SAJC-owned The Junction tavern and, SAJC offices; and
- 250 townhouses and low-rise apartments ranging in height from two to three
The apartment buildings, shops, and tavern will be part of a dynamic mixed-use precinct between the Glenelg tramline and Anzac Highway, with the townhouses and low-rise apartments to be located south of the tramline, next to the racecourse.
The milestone announcement follows an exhaustive tender process which received 46 registrations of interest. The SAJC board chose the Villawood and Hostplus joint venture from a shortlist of six candidates.
Villawood and Hostplus will transform underutilised trackside land into a vibrant, housing, and commercial precinct for the benefit of the economy, the wider community, and the sustainable future of racing in South Australia.
SAJC chairman Bob Holton said the appointment of Villawood and Hostplus as redevelopment partners marks one of the most exciting chapters in Morphettville’s proud history.
“For nearly 150 years Morphettville has been an important social, sporting and economic hub for South Australia employing thousands and providing lasting memories for those who have walked through its gates,” he said.
“This partnership, and the funds generated through the redevelopment, will help us build on Morphettville’s proud legacy and provide the foundations for a thriving club for our current and future members.
“We look forward to working with Villawood and Hostplus to make Morphettville even greater.”
SAJC CEO Grant Mayer said Villawood and Hostplus have a track record for success and investing in high-quality projects.
“We are excited to be working with Villawood and Hostplus to deliver a world-class, once-in-a generation vision for the State’s premier racecourse,” he said.
“These companies are leaders in their fields and share our goal for a modern, sustainable, and dynamic Morphettville.
“This long-anticipated redevelopment will enable us to invest back into Morphettville for the benefit of our valued members, the community, the racing industry and the State.”
