Club’s $12m revamp

THE historic Townsville Turf Club will build on its appeal as a wedding and events venue as part of a $12 million redevelopment.

The club was devastated by this year’s floods and while the track was restored for the winter racing season, it is now ready to refurbish and redevelop its facilities.

It is also advertising for a business development officer to leverage off its improved facilities.

The redevelopment will involve the refurbishment of its members’ area to include bars and a restaurant; the restoration of its historic grandstand in keeping with its heritage values, including an al fresco dining area; and new jockeys’ facilities.

Club general manager Natalie Rintala said while the floods had been challenging, it was exciting to have facilities refurbished and redeveloped.

The club was investing a lot of effort in setting up for the future and had established a young members’ committee in a bid to attract more young people, she said.

“It’s more than just putting back what we always had. It’s identifying things that make the turf club more attractive and sustainable to the community,” Ms Rintala said.

The club is looking at weddings, meetings, training days, trade shows and expos, birthday parties, hens’ and bucks’ nights, Christmas parties and engagement parties.

Ms Rintala said a new media and business development officer would be responsible for community engagement and business development.

“The committee has identified a need for the position from the opportunities that will present themselves as a result of the refurbishment and our future planning,” she said.

Design of the buildings is nearly complete and tenders are expected to be released in coming weeks.

“Things will start to happen in the near future and the facilities will come online,” Ms Rintala said.

“The grandstand is of significant heritage interest and that will probably be the final building that will take shape.”

Most of the work is expected to be completed in February or March next year.