Australian Turf Club Night Racing Opportunities for Enhancing Randwick & October 2017 Executive Summary

BellRinger Property Group and Place Key Elements of the Proposal experience and broader precinct Racing Industry, indicated that, Narrative & Research were engaged The key elements of the proposed experience for visitors and members patrons at Thoroughbred Race by The (ATC) night racing include of the local community. Meetings, spend on average $232 per to prepare a report outlining the —— 16 race meetings between the person on race days. Data supplied by economic, social and community months of October and April. the ATC indicates that the proposed Community Engagement opportunities and benefits the night night race events could attract The approach by ATC has been close to 200,000 patrons across 16 racing proposal might contribute to —— Events to be staged between 6pm-10pm. to engage with the community meetings. Based on attendances at Randwick and Sydney communities. and target user groups prior while these levels, the proposed night races The ATC are exploring the —— The race meets are to be developing the strategy for night could generate on track expenditure racing. The ATC has engaged with (excluding wagering) of close to $20 opportunity for night racing in predominantly held on Thursday, local resident groups such as The million and off-track expenditure of response to changing community Friday and Saturday evenings. Randwick Precinct Committee, over $30 million. lifestyles, to ensure the viability of The Kensington Committee and Royal Randwick, and to reinforce A Placemaking Approach undertaking community “drop in Royal Randwick as a world leading Placemaking it is the process of sessions”. By meeting with respected Changing Societal Trends race course for thoroughbred racing. creating authentic, vibrant and community representatives, the A number of society trends have The proposed night racing over the resilient places that resonate ATC has been able to garner a better necessitated the need to investigate daylight saving months provides an with, and are admired by their understanding of the community’s key the night racing opportunity at Royal opportunity to create a new calendar community and visitors. Placemaking concerns regarding night racing. The Randwick. These trends include: of night time events that are better has an important role to play in engagement with the local community —— Sydney’s Changing Demographics Royal Randwick as a key piece has also assisted the ATC in better aligned with the changing lifestyles —— The Rise of the “Experience of Sydney residents, and provides a of infrastructure, connectivity, understanding the community’s values, and what inspires and attracts Economy” new night time economy anchor to identity and gathering space for the community. them to the locality. contribute to revitalizing the night —— Changing Lifestyles of Sydney time economy. Residents The night racing provides an important layer when utilising Expenditure Analysis —— Increased Apartment Living a placemaking framework when Analysis prepared by Economic Generating Need for Additional assessing how Royal Randwick and Consultants, IER, for the Office of Non Work and Home Experiences. night racing can provide opportunities Liquor, Gaming and Racing, on the to improving the Royal Randwick Economic Size and Scope of the

2 Executive Summary

Opportunities and Potential Benefits Alignment with Randwick Council’s A number of opportunities and City Plan potential benefits that night racing The proposed night racing assists may provide to the local community in achieving a number of Randwick and broader Sydney have been Council’s City Plan and Outcomes identified. These include: including: —— A Sense of Community - ‘a vibrant —— Tourism Generation and diverse community’ and ‘an —— Shaping a City informed and engaged community’

—— An Additional Anchor for the —— Places for People - ‘excellence in Local Retail and Business urban design and development’, Precincts ‘excellence in recreation and lifestyle opportunities’, ‘a liveable —— Increased Amenity in city’ and ‘heritage that is protected Kensington’s “Ideas Hub” and celebrated’

—— Building the Community —— A Prospering City - ‘a strong local economy’ —— Improved Exposure for Randwick & Kensington —— Moving Around - ‘integrated and accessible transport’ —— Attracting Workers, Foreign Business & Investment —— Looking after our Environment - ‘a healthy environment’ —— Employment Generation

—— Anchor a Week of Festivities

—— Improve Connections with Asia

3 Introduction

BellRinger Property Group and Place Royal Randwick, and to reinforce The 77 ha site forms part of a understand an asset’s market Narrative & Research were engaged by Royal Randwick as a world leading green belt connecting Moore Park, dynamics. Established in 2013, The Australian Turf club to prepare race course for thoroughbred racing. The and Principal and Managing Director a report outlining the economic, The proposed night racing over the Centennial Park. Andrea Byrne identified the need social and community opportunities daylight saving months provides an for a Research consultancy that was the night racing proposal might opportunity to create a new calendar This report has been prepared in able to analyse and articulate the contribute to Randwick and broader of night time events that are better collaboration between BellRinger market story for an asset to create a Sydney communities. aligned with the changing lifestyles Property Group and Place Narrative & rich and in-depth understanding of of Sydney residents, and provides a Research. its potential. By collecting, analysing Events have the opportunity new night time economy anchor to BellRinger Property Group is an and synthesising quantitative and to deliver improved economic and contribute to revitalizing the night qualitative data and using cutting edge social benefits to the local community innovative strategic property adviser time economy. focusing on delivering projects that modeling and spatial analysis tools and broader Sydney. The Australian Place Narrative and Research can Turf Club and Racing NSW are The Australian Turf Club is one enhance the livability, experience and wellbeing of communities. By articulate the emerging threats and exploring the opportunity to introduce of the world’s leading destinations opportunities within any market. “Night Racing” at Royal Randwick. for thoroughbred racing, events integrating disciplined development This report outlines how the proposed and hospitality. The Australian management processes with night racing may contribute to the Turf Club (ATC) commenced as an innovative thinking and engagement local economy. In addition the report entity in 2011, when the Australian a more detailed understanding of highlights some of the societal trends, Jockey Club and the Sydney Turf an opportunity is realised. Rather and benefits and opportunities that Club merged. The ATC own and than adopting a ‘build it and they night racing may provide to improving manage all of now owning all four will come’ philosophy embracing the communities of Randwick and Sydney racetracks; Royal Randwick, a ‘build it right and they will come broader Sydney and ambitions of the Rosehill Gardens, Warwick Farm and back’ can deliver improved social and local and state governments. Canterbury Park. investment performance.

The ATC are exploring the Royal is an Place Narrative and Research Pty Ltd opportunity for night racing in important piece of infrastructure is a property research consultancy response to changing community located in Sydney’s East specialising in helping property lifestyles, to ensure the viability of approximately 6km from the CBD. owners, managers and developers

4 5 EXISTING SPORTS STADIUM AND RACE TRACK NIGHT EVENTS PER YEAR

104

49

34 35

19 16 16 18 12 7

Allianze Stadium—SCGANZ/Spotless Stadium Mooney Valley RacecourseSunshine Coast RacecourceRoyal Randwick RacecourseWentworth (proposed) Park GreyLaunceston Hounds RacecourseCranbourne RacecourseCanterbury Park RacecourseToowoomba Racecourse

7 8 Placemaking Process & the Role of Night Racing

Placemaking it is the process of The Place Story Events This framework assist in identifying creating authentic, vibrant and The Place Story is the unique The rituals and behaviours of a how the proposed night races can resilient places that resonate with, positioning of a place. The Place Story, place are significantly shaped by the assist in achieving a number of and are admired by their community informed by the local economics, social organised events, activities within a Randwick Council’s “City Plan and and visitors. Placemaking has an history, local history, lifestyles, and place. A programmatic layer of events Outcomes” including: important role to play in events local and global trends, will define a and other organised activities are —— A Sense of Community - ‘a vibrant and public places as a key piece project or place. It should inform all critical to a successful place providing and diverse community’ and ‘an of infrastructure, connectivity, elements including events, design, a changing range of experiences informed and engaged community’ identity and gathering space for the ongoing operations, marketing, driving visitation. Night Racing has community. Public spaces and sports communications, events and land the opportunity to play an important —— Places for People - ‘excellence in stadia, including race tracks can uses. event layer at Royal Randwick. urban design and development’, act as a place of significant human ‘excellence in recreation and interaction which can help to create a Design Engagement lifestyle opportunities’, ‘a liveable sense of inclusion and belonging. The Describes the physical environment People are developing new needs. following place making framework city’ and ‘heritage that is protected of a precinct or space. The design People want the sophistication and provides an improved holistic view to and celebrated’ includes all tangible elements of a complexity of global communities managing and enhancing the Royal place including the placement of within their local neighbourhood. —— A Prospering City - ‘a strong local Randwick experience for users and the buildings, scale, materiality, Engagement with users and local the local community. It also provides economy’ sight lines, roads, public spaces, and community provides insights to better a framework for assessing how night landscaping. These elements will tailor the experience to connect with —— Moving Around - ‘integrated and racing may play a role in contributing enhance the precinct and contribute the and community. accessible transport’ to delivering a better “place”. to driving visitation and economic success Environment —— Looking after our Environment - The place creation process addresses Describes the relationship between ‘a healthy environment’ both tangible and intangible elements Uses of a successful project. Throughout a the place and global environmental project’s delivery process, each of the The range of uses in a precinct is a issues. A well designed project will following pillars should be considered key driver for the success of a place. reduce both the eco footprint as well and evolved to increase the richness By introducing an appropriate range as operating costs improving the of the place experience. of uses there will be increased reasons asset’s economic performance. to visit and stay increasing activation and economic performance of a project. 9 A DISCIPLINED PROCESS FOR GREAT PLACES

Global & Local place history local trends & cultural attributes Project Vision & Strategy Economic, social Target customer & & other research community’s values & place aspirations

Project Brief

Design Uses Events & Engage Environment — — — — The design, look The mix of land uses Programs Engagement & The design, initiatives and and feel of a to appeal to the target — partnerships with the behaviours to improve the buildings and audiences The organised community natural environment public spaces activities and initiatives

Creating a place that is socially & economically successful

10 The History of Royal Randwick and its Role in the Local Community & Sydney

Royal Randwick Racecourse has been suburbs. Until the opening of being located in adjoining ‘The Oracle’ (1917), on the integral in the history of Randwick Royal Randwick Racecourse, residential streets and the Randwick races. and broader Sydney. Royal Randwick Hyde Park had been Sydney’s recently closed Inglis Stables at dates back to 1833. For more than main racecourse. However with Newmarket Randwick. —— Royal Randwick has been used 150 years, race meetings at Royal the rising popularity of racing, for a range of events over the Randwick Racecourse have been some Sydney required a dedicated race —— Up until the mid 20th century, years including the landing in of the most popular social events in course with Randwick the chosen was one of Sydney’s Sydney by Charles Kingsford Sydney. Importantly attending horse location. most popular social events Smith and Charles Ulm in the races cut across all levels of society, for people to attend. Tens of Southern Cross in 1928, following and as such played a significant part —— Royal Randwick Racecourse was thousands of people would attend their trans-Pacific from in the development of Sydney society originally known as the ‘Sandy race days at Royal Randwick the USA. and its history. It was a popular Course’ due to the condition of Racecourse regularly. the ground. social activity from the very early —— During the World Wars, Royal days of the colony. By the end of the —— The Australian Jockey Club Randwick was used as a military 19th century racing was considered as part of the ATC, was formed camp for soldiers about to embark. by many as the national sport. The in the early 1840s with the federation of Australia in 1901 was AJC moving its headquarters —— Many of the stands and celebrated in Sydney and throughout to Randwick in 1860. buildings built in the first half the country with race meetings. of the twentieth century were —— Royal Randwick Racecourse designed by the Sydney firm The local history of Royal Randwick has played an influential role Robertson and Marks who had racecourse provides a number of shaping the history and culture also been involved in a number opportunities to weave the narrative of the suburb of Randwick and of other sporting ground buildings into both physical and soft elements Kensington with numerous including the SCG. such as events. Some key elements of stables, saddle makers, farriers, the local place story include: trainers, jockeys, bookmakers —— Andrew ‘Banjo’ Patterson was living and working and building a regular visitor to Randwick. —— The racecourse dates back their homes in the suburb. This Patterson wrote a weekly racing to 1833 predating residential history can still be seen today column for the Sydney Mail and development in the eastern with ’s stables published at least one verse, 11 Community Engagement

Royal Randwick Racecourse plays not too opposed and then manage of the community’s key concerns a critical role in the local Randwick the issues in a reactive manner as regarding night racing. These key and surrounding community. Royal the objections and issues arose. concerns relate mainly to noise, traffic Randwick has the opportunity to This approach often resulted in and anti social behaviour that are also deliver positive impacts for the local significant additional project costs their general concerns associated with community. due to approval delays, redesigns and race days. The engagement with the delivering a product that often did local community has also assisted the The Royal Randwick Racecourse not resonate with the community and ATC in better understanding the local interfaces with the local community target customer. As a result, projects character, the community’s values, providing a sense of open space, often failed to engender support and and what inspires and attracts them amenity and views for nearby pride from the community resulting to the locality. residents. As a result, some members in less visitation and economic of the local community are likely activity. Rather than reduce risk, the to perceive the site as semi-public traditional process regularly increased space and have a sense of ownership. risk and costs, and eroded economic This carries significant risk, yet also and social value in both the short and opportunities. If project is delivered longer term. with a consultative approach the ATC is more likely to engender The approach by ATC has been to support rather than opposition engage with the community and from the local community. target user groups prior to submitting an application for night racing. The Under the traditional development ATC has engaged with local resident approach there was little or no groups such as The Randwick community consultation and if there Precinct Committee, The Kensington was it was generally to “tick a box” Committee and undertaking for the authority approvals process. community “drop in sessions”. By The common strategy was to prepare meeting with respected community a design, submit the application, and representatives, the ATC has been hope or “pray” the community was able to garner a better understanding

12 13 Night Racing Expenditure Analysis

The following, is an assessment of The tables on the following page the spending by patrons, attending shows that, based on attendances at a number of new night racing these levels, the proposed night races events, proposed at Royal Randwick could generate on track expenditure Racecourse. This spending includes (excluding wagering) of close to $20 both spending on track as well as off million and off-track expenditure of track expenditure. over $30 million.

Analysis prepared by Economic For every dollar in on track Consultants, IER, for the Office of expenditure there is anticipated to be Liquor, Gaming and Racing, on the $1.50 spent within the community. Economic Size and Scope of the This off track raceday expenditure is Racing Industry, indicated that, expected to generate economic spin- patrons at Thoroughbred Race off benefits to a number of industries, Meetings, spend on average $232 per person on race days. specifically; Accommodation, Meals and Entertainment, Transport and The modeling on the following page Retail. It is estimated that of the $30 conservatively assumes that a 10% million in expenditure that will flow uplift in per person expenditure could to businesses within the community, be applied to these averages for the around $12 million will flow to retail proposed meetings. This uplift would establishments and $8.2 million will occur as a result of cost premiums go to food and beverage providers, associated with the night time this represents 67% of off track economy and the more “event” like expenditure. experience that could be cultivated by undertaking meetings after hours. This would result in raceday expenditure of over $255 per person.

Data supplied by the ATC indicates that these events could attract close to 200,000 patrons across 16 meetings. 14 Night Racing Expenditure Analysis

EXPENDITURE PESSIMISTIC LIKELY OPTIMISTIC Night Racing Attendees 165,000 195,000 226,000 Average on track raceday expenditure $91.62 $101.80 $111.98 Average off track raceday expenditure $139.35 $154.83 $170.31 Total on track raceday expenditure $15,117,227 $19,901,803 $25,307,357 Total Off track raceday expenditure $22,992,065 $30,269,014 $38,490,419

SPENDING CATEGORY EXPENDITURE PER PERSON TOTAL EXPENDITURE Accommodation $32.94 $6,439,902 Meals and entertainment $41.95 $8,200,928 Transport $18.51 $3,617,840 Retail $61.43 $12,010,344 TOTAL $154.83 $30,269,014

OFF TRACK RACE DAY EXPENDITURE

21% Accommodation

40% Retail 27% Meals & Entertainment

12% Transport

15 Societal Trends Creating Opportunities for Night Racing

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Change to Sydney’s it is one of the few sports that has spending habits shift to “services and connections and improved economic Demographics crossed civilizations and continents. experiences”. performance. This changing Successful places tend to adopt a Horse racing is one of the most appetite for what communities and ‘places are for people’ approach. ancient sports and remains popular The ATC has recognised it is part people are seeking from their local within Europe, South America, Asia, of the “experience economy” and The most resilient, social and community and broader Sydney is and the Middle East. As such it is is looking to deliver a world leading economically successful places are creating the need to deliver improved a truly multi cultural sport that if product at Royal Randwick that entertainment offerings to meet ones that resonate with the people appropriately delivered provides an engages with its customers via a who live, work and play in them. opportunity to be a “glue” that binds a continually evolving and dynamic race this changing lifestyle. Night racing healthier community by building and day experience. provides an opportunity to better Sydney is currently undergoing connecting a multicultural society. meet these changing lifestyles. significant change. This change Changing Lifestyles in Sydney’s “make up” is causing The Experience Economy Australia and Sydney is undergoing Increased Apartment Living disruption to many sectors and The experience economy is the enormous change in the way residents and need for “3rd Places” businesses including sport and social market that focuses on the selling of live their lives. The increasingly With greater numbers of Australians activities. As Sydney is becoming living in apartments, there is culturally more diversified and more services rather than goods to engage diverse Sydney community is increasing demand for “3rd Places”, connected with Asia it is generating with customers to create a memorable experiencing significant change in places that are not work a need for businesses and sports to experience. The experience housing, work, and lifestyles. This is respond differently. This creates economy fulfills a critical role in changing the way people spend their or home. In 2017, circa 51% of all opportunities for entertainment and communities’ access to retail and leisure time. With the rise of time housing approvals were for multi leisure experiences that are more services in Australia. The experience poor families, people are seeking a dwelling buildings. This is sensitively aligned to the target users economy building blocks of retail, vibrant after hours economy that is creating the need for better spaces and community. services, events, and public places more aligned with their lifestyles. and places out of the makes an important contribution to They are seeking events, activities home and workplace. Events, cafes, communities. When well delivered and As Sydney becomes more culturally and vibrant precincts that deliver parks, sports grounds that are aligned diversified, night racing provides an managed, retail and the experience amenity, services and experiences in with modern lifestyles fill the role opportunity for a sporting event that economy provide a range of improved of these additional “3rd Places” that social and economic outcomes. a safe environment over an extended has cross appeal to the diversified make a city more liveable. The night Sydney community. This provides As cities become more urban where day. These environments engender racing provides additional 3rd places an opportunity to enhance and space is becoming a luxury, the ability an emotional connection and sense for people to spend time at outside of improve social connections. As for consumers to consume “goods” of belonging that assists in driving horse racing dates back to 4500 BC, is becoming diminished and peoples increased visitation, improved social the home and office. 17 Potential Benefits & Opportunities —

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Tourism Generation night racing have the opportunity to Increased Amenity for New games organised by the Greeks, the Events are becoming an increasingly drive increased economic activity to Urban Densities Roman’s chariot races, and Jousting important tourism generator, and can enable the delivery of better amenity With the impending increase in Tournaments of the middle ages. greatly enhance the reputation and to the communities of Randwick, residential densities within the Sporting events, including horse positioning of a city as a destination Kensington and broader Sydney. locality of Royal Randwick, including racing have played a critical role in of choice. A high quality range of the proposed 1500 new dwellings building healthy communities. events bring tourists to a city and can An Additional Anchor for as part of the ANZAC Parade “Ideas provide an improved profile for a city Local Retail and Business Hub” transformation project there Improved Exposure for on a global stage. The proposed night Precinct is need for increased amenity Randwick & Kensington races, and particularly The Everest, Like a supermarket attracts shoppers to service these residents. The With the impending light rail provide increased opportunities to a shopping centre and help support proposed night time racing could be connection between the CBD and for exposure for Randwick, Sydney the adjoining specialty retailers, a very important traffic generator Royal Randwick scheduled for and Australia into Asia and Europe events can act as an anchor to help to improve and support the amenity completion in 2019. The completion due to time zones. This was support local retailers and businesses and vibrancy for the proposed $300 of the Sydney South East Light rail highlighted by the strong interest that provide important amenity million transformation development will provide improved opportunities from and attendance from Asia for to community on non event days. on ANZAC Parade at Kensington for connecting Royal Randwick and “The Everest” in October 2017 and Night racing provides an opportunity and Kingsford further enhancing the the broader precinct with the CBD the indicative 150 countries “The to drive increased visitation into reputation of the “Ideas Hub”. and exposing more people from Everest” was televised to. Randwick & Kensington. This has Sydney to the amenity that Randwick been highlighted by the return of AFL Building the Community and Kensington provides driving Shaping a City to the Adelaide Oval. For many years Events and festivals have long played greater visitation on non race days to Events can assist in transforming AFL was not played at Adelaide Oval, an important role in human the precinct. cities. While no one event will be a but rather at Football Park, West society and communities. They silver bullet, a range of cultural, Lakes. In 2014, AFL returned to the originated as forms of public display, Attracting Workers, Foreign sporting, creative, music and Adelaide Oval for the first time in 40 rituals and community celebrations. Business & Investment business events of various size and years. The return of these important Events, rituals and celebrations Global cities need to attract workers, scale intersecting a city’s urban events and social anchors provided crossed all civilizations and date back foreign businesses and investment. ecosystem can make a significant significant uplift in visitation and thousands of years. Sport has As highlighted by Richard Florida’s contribution to the shaping of a city retail trade to the city on weekends. been significant in these rituals and book “The Rise of the Creative and its perception. Events such as events. From the Ancient Olympic Class”, modern knowledge workers 19

are locating themselves in liveable In NSW, the thoroughbred industry industries such as the arts to create nations will assist in increasing the cities with a range of high quality creates in excess of 21,000 full time a truly memorable event or week of connectivity between Australia racing experiences. Housing, night life, equivalent jobs according a to a activities that is reflective of Sydney industry and more broadly with Asia. retail, public places, events and report prepared by IER. This includes and delivers a unique experience public transport are critical layers 8641 FTE jobs created by the inner as opposed to copying Melbourne’s in the experience of a liveable city. Sydney thoroughbred industry. Spring Carnival. There may also be A critical shift occurring over the Subject to the attendance at the synergies between Melbourne and past twenty years is companies now proposed night racing and the final Sydney to attract an even greater following the workforce, rather than implementation strategy, the night international contingent and greater workers following companies. Hence racing proposal should also provide tourist numbers. to attract foreign investment it is additional employment opportunities, now critical to attract the knowledge particularly for the large numbers of Improve Connections with Asia workers that these companies require. local university students seeking part Night racing presents opportunities The proposed night races at Royal time employment. to showcase Sydney into the Asian Randwick with its integration with market enhancing the international the light rail, provides an opportunity Anchor a Spring Festival profile of Sydney. Today China, to contribute to a more vibrant Given the success of “The Everest”, India and Indonesia make up 40% precinct and night time economy that this event could act as an anchor for of the world population. By 2050, will contribute to these layers, and a week of events or a festival bringing these three countries will be three Sydney as a global city. together sport, the arts, creative of the worlds 4th largest economies. industries and other sectors to deliver Thailand, Pakistan, Vietnam, The Employment Generation a week of experiences in a Philippines and Bangladesh will each The ATC is an important employment traditionally quiet time between the have economies more than twice the generator for the local community football finals and the commencement size of Australia’s today. The concept from the stable hands, trainers and of the summer sport. For “The of the Asian Century parallels with jockeys through to the numerous Everest” to deliver a truly unique the evolution of the 20th century as UNSW students that are employed in experience that develops a global the American Century, and the 19th food and beverage and other part time reputation will require numerous century as the Britain’s Imperial and casual roles at Royal Randwick “soft” experiences Century. Change on this scale will racecourse. in addition to the main race. By create many opportunities and night 20 collaborating with other sectors and racing being televised into these BellRinger Property Group Level 4, 191 Clarence Street Sydney NSW 2000 p: +61 448 409 275 e: [email protected] w: bellringer.com.au

Place Narrative & Research 88 Nicholas Street, Ashburton, Vic 3147 p: +61 401 714 598 e: [email protected]