Works underway on historic Eagle Farm grandstand redevelopment

An exciting new chapter at the historic Eagle Farm Racecourse is underway with early works commencing on the $100 million grandstand redevelopment.

The first-stage works are being delivered by Woollam Constructions, who were selected by Racing Queensland and the Brisbane Racing Club as the preferred contractor.

The appointment follows a competitive tender and evaluation process and forms part of the broader Terraces and Enabling Works Project at Eagle Farm.

Stage 1 of the program includes demolition of the John Power Stand, make-good works to the adjoining Heritage Stand, site establishment, investigations, hoarding and enabling works, and the delivery of temporary patron facilities including a single-storey marquee.

The scope will also include associated concrete slab and site works; electrical, communications, hydraulic, mechanical and fire services infrastructure; and traffic management, stakeholder management and operational continuity measures.

Minister for Racing Tim Mander said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitments in the The Next Lap by investing in modern racing infrastructure to strengthen the industry and secure the future of Queensland racing.

“The Crisafulli Government is backing the future of Queensland racing by investing in the infrastructure the industry needs to grow and remain sustainable," Minister Mander said. 

“Eagle Farm has a proud place in Queensland’s racing history, and our $25 million investment from the Racing Infrastructure Fund is helping get these important works underway.

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure Queensland racing needs through The Next Lap and we’re focused on strengthening the industry for the future, supporting jobs and ensuring Queensland racing can continue to make an important contribution to our state."

Earlier this year, the Queensland Government approved an investment of $25 million from the Racing Infrastructure Fund to enable site preparation, demolition, and enabling works to commence after the 2026 Winter Carnival.

The investment will also cover Stage 2 of the program which will include the Paddock Stand refurbishment and Heritage Stand works.

The new grandstand is a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s review into the racing industry.

Acting Racing Queensland CEO Lachlan Murray said it was exciting to see works underway on the ageing 4,000-person stand which has serviced racegoers since 1957.

“The John Power Stand has been part of Eagle Farm’s story for generations, and this redevelopment gives us the opportunity to honour that legacy while delivering a safer, more accessible and more contemporary experience for racegoers,” Mr Murray said.

“Eagle Farm is Queensland’s premier thoroughbred racing venue, and investing in modern spectator facilities is essential to ensuring it remains a destination our industry and community can be proud of for decades to come.

“We are pleased to be working closely with the Brisbane Racing Club and Crisafulli Government to deliver infrastructure that meets modern standards while supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of racing in Queensland.”

Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo said the commencement of works represented an important milestone in the transformation of Eagle Farm.

“This is a significant moment for the Brisbane Racing Club and for Eagle Farm, with the redevelopment now moving from planning into delivery,” Mr deKroo said.

“The John Power Stand has served generations of racegoers, but its redevelopment is essential to creating a racecourse that meets the expectations of our members, patrons and the broader racing industry well into the future.

“Importantly, our focus throughout this process has been on maintaining the racing and race day experience at Eagle Farm while these major works are undertaken.

“We have put considerable planning into temporary facilities and the way the precinct will operate during construction, and we will continue to refine those arrangements as the project progresses.

“We thank the Queensland Government and Racing Queensland for their investment and partnership, and look forward to working with Woollam Constructions to deliver the next stage of Eagle Farm’s evolution.”

Temporary patron facilities are being prioritised to support ongoing race day operations at Eagle Farm.

The broader Stage 1 program is anticipated to be completed in May 2027, ahead of the 2028 Queensland Racing Carnival, subject to confirmation.

Stage 2 works will commence following the 2027 Queensland Racing Carnival, and are anticipated to be completed by May 2028.

Click here for more information about the project.