A plan to revitalise Gloucester Park with a 4,000-spectator capacity theatre space, racetrack renovation and hospitality precinct is on the cards if a land sale to Hesperia is approved.
A plan to revitalise Gloucester Park with a 4,000-spectator capacity theatre space, racetrack renovation and hospitality precinct is on the cards if a land sale to Hesperia is approved.
The West Australian Trotting Association, trading as Gloucester Park Harness Racing (GPHR), is developing the East Perth-based project with Hesperia, led by Adrian Fini and Ben Lisle.
GPHR is seeking its members' support and executive committee authorisation to finalise the sale of a 5.9-hectare lot of land, out of the 14.7-hectare Gloucester Park site, to Hesperia.
Designs for the proposed redevelopment were unveiled today, including a new facility, Gloucester Theatre, for the eastern side of the track near Matagarup Bridge.
Up to 4,000 spectators are expected to be accommodated in the proposed theatre and its surrounds.
Gloucester Park would remain as the home of harness racing in Western Australia, according to the applicants with the existing racetrack to be renovated, and the stables and parade ring to be relocated to the eastern side of the course.
GPHR has developed a future vision for Gloucester Park. Image: Hesperia.
A mixed-use project has also been flagged for the land currently housing existing grandstands and spectator areas, on the western side of the site.
GPHR chief executive Michael Radley said he didn't want to pre-empt the outcome of members' votes but was very excited about the future vision for Gloucester Park.
"It will deliver a huge benefit to members, and to everyone involved in the harness racing industry, whether that’s as a trainer, owner or spectator," he said.
"It’s no secret that attendance at Gloucester Park has been declining in recent years, and we’ve had to work hard to ensure we have funds to maintain the track and facilities in the condition required, let alone preserve and adapt all the heritage structures on site.
"The vision we have presented to our Members addresses all of our pressing infrastructure needs, preserves our rich heritage, and most importantly it provides new facilities and diversified long term revenue sources to ensure harness racing remains at Gloucester Park."
Heritage buildings are proposed to be repurposed for public use with a hospitality village precinct and future town centre, dubbed Totalisator Square, to be set up next to the park's heritage-listed entrace gates.
A proposed heritage restoration for public use. Image: Hesperia.
Hesperia director Kyle Jeavons said the company had a track record of sensitive and complex heritage restorations.
The Subiaco-based company has been involved in heritage restoration projects around Perth, including the State Buildings and Como The Treasury, Leederville Hotel Precinct and Victoria House.
"We believe the vision that we have collaborated on will deliver genuine long-term benefits for members and the harness racing industry as a whole, while reinvigorating under-utilised land and the entire precinct," Mr Jeavons said.
"The East Perth corridor has long been earmarked as the gateway to the city, connecting Optus Stadium and the Burswood Peninsula to the rest of the Perth CBD.
"The proposal we are putting forward will deliver a connected, vibrant community within East Perth and make a significant contribution to the city and tourism in Western Australia."
