Face-lift for Bendigo greyhounds

Fri 8 April 2011

The Victorian Government today announced a major redevelopment of the greyhound racing track and grandstand at Bendigo - a $4 million redevelopment in partnership with Greyhound Racing Victoria.

The redevelopment of the track and refurbishment of facilities for racegoers are much needed. Next year’s Carnival will be held in the redeveloped facility with an improved track design, new lighting and a new lure rail. There will also be a sensational new pavilion with triple the seating capacity, and servery and bar to settle in and enjoy the racing action.
The government is committed to working with Greyhound Racing Victoria and the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Association to ensure the future expansion of this exciting sport in Victoria. Greyhound Racing Victoria Chairman Nick Caley said Government support ensures the Victorian industry leads the way, nationally and internationally, in track and patron facilities.

The Victorian Government commitment strongly supports long term infrastructure development and provides for a long term sustainable greyhound racing industry,” Mr Caley said.

“Bendigo has long been a very strong greyhound area and this latest development which will complement a recently constructed kennel block and two straight track working facilities, will complete a state of the art facility for greyhound enthusiasts in central Victoria,” Greyhound Racing Victoria CEO John Stephens said.

The multi-million dollar track redevelopment will include:

• a wider track and sweeping turns to minimise the potential for injury
• four new starting points (currently there are just three)
• a new racing surface, consisting of 4,600 square metres of Burumbeet sand – the new industry standard
• undergrounding of overhead power lines
• new lighting, a new lure rail and improved connections to the results board.

The grandstand redevelopment will expand the existing pavilion to include:

• additional seating for 177 racegoers (currently the grandstand only seats 84 patrons)
• a new kitchen and servery area with bar facilities
• a race day tower to house judges, lure driver, broadcast and camera facilities
• new carpet in the grandstand, a new tote area, and repairs to the grandstand ceiling, and repainting.

Work is expected to be underway mid-year and take around six to eight months to complete.

The redevelopment will provide state-of-the-art facilities for greyhound racing and its patrons. It will also be available as a terrific venue for Bendigo and district community events.