New chapter for West Side Horsham

Work is complete on a more than $2.1-million redevelopment project at West Side Horsham, including a new bistro that seats 70 patrons indoors and up to 40 for outdoor dining.

There is also a new entertainment room, bistro, the biggest Sports Bar in the Wimmera and the function room has undergone major wheelchair-access improvements.

West Side Horsham general manager Vicky Mcclure said you have to see it to believe it.

West Side Horsham is the only venue in Horsham that offers all four services.

What was previously a small venue is now a major Sports Bar.

“It’s incredible what we now have on offer,” Mrs Mcclure said.

The redevelopment, completed by Locks Construction and involving a partnership between Horsham and District Harness Racing Club and Wimmera Racing Club, was a project that took about seven years from planning to completion.

The project build started in October, 2020 and with COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions the club managed to open the new entertainment area in September, 2021, only eight months after the first milestone date before the arrival of COVID-19.

Mrs Mcclure reflected on the excitement as a project dream became a reality.

“Watching the crane arrive to commence the footings was absolutely electric after so many years of meetings and hours of planning. I was compelled to film it and send it to all board members who also shared the complete joy of watching our project start,” she said.

“It still brings tears of joy to my eyes thinking about it – what a year for something positive to be happening at our venue while we were in our seventh month of being closed due to COVID restrictions.”

West Side Horsham, which overlooks Horsham Racing Centre and the overall expanses of Horsham racecourse reserve from its Bennett Road home, now provides stateof-the-art dining and an all-sport viewing experience in a large inviting space for all ages.

While sitting and eating in the bistro or having a coffee with friends, guests not only have full view of the racecourse but also the use of a great-sized kids room in full view. People can also enjoy an outdoors dining experience, which also provides children access to a fullygrassed area. You really need to see it for yourself!