The Government will invest further in the Exhibition Park (EPIC) precinct in the forthcoming Territory Budget, ensuring the Park continues to attract and support exhibitions and events.
Work is commencing on the $4.6 million upgrade to the Fitzroy Pavilion for large scale events, weddings and festivals.
The refurbished Pavilion will re-open for community use over the coming months.
The 2024-25 Budget will fund the next stage of work to design a new large scale multipurpose function centre. The Government will also plan for the relocation of the main entrance of EPIC to opposite the light rail stop, improving access to the venue for large events.
As this work continues, the Government has also established the Thoroughbred Park Housing and Revitalisation Steering Committee to better understand how the master planning at EPIC will interface with potential future residential, commercial and equine activities at Canberra Thoroughbred Park.
The role of this committee is to prepare advice for government on options for the development, including the optimal delivery model for any development and the potential declaration of an urban renewal site.
The Committee will also ensure all parties involved in the process have clarity of expectations, communications and processes. This is a successful model of major project delivery that was previously used in the establishment of the future UNSW campus in Parkes and Reid.
Thoroughbred Park is currently earmarked for urban renewal as part of the new district strategies and its close proximity to light rail and major transport connections.
Providing more housing and commercial opportunities at Thoroughbred Park is a key part of the economic diversification of the Canberra Racing Club outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Club and the Government.
