CAMPERDOWN TURF CLUB GRANDSTAND

The Camperdown Turf Club Grandstand was built in 1902-03 to the design of notable local architect Michael McCabe. The first race meeting was held at Camperdown in 1867, the Turf Club was formed in 1886 and the land was permanently reserved in 1900. The present grandstand replaced two earlier grandstands and originally seated about 800 spectators. The stand was extended in c.1913 by construction of two bays to the northern end, increasing the capacity to 1000 spectators. 

The stand is a predominantly timber framed structure with a grid of posts and beams and Oregon trusses supporting the roof. The stand has a prominent corrugated iron roof and corrugated iron cladding to the side and rear walls. The mansard roof section with its simple pediment was centrally placed in the original structure before the addition of two bays and was once balustraded and served as a viewing platform. The front of the stand has elegant cast iron columns and a patterned cast iron balustrade with the letters CTC (Camperdown Turf Club) featured in the design of the iron lacework. The ground is built up in front of the stand to provide mound seating and is connected to the stand over a walkway and brick retaining wall by five sets of stairs. Beneath the stand are rooms which include the dining room, tote, and two bars. The interiors are lined with Baltic pine and the posts and bracing of the structure are exposed in the larger rooms.

The Bar appears to be contemporary with the grandstand and is a corrugated iron structure with servery flaps and a corrugated iron roof with a gabled hip roof crowned with finials at either end.

The Camperdown Turf Club Grandstand is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria.

Camperdown Turf Club Grandstand is of architectural significance as a substantial and intact example of a Federation era grandstand with a spectator mound skilfully integrated into the design. One of the largest racecourse grandstands in Victoria, it is a dominant element in the flat racecourse landscape and a district landmark. The Bar represents an intact example of an early refreshment pavilion at a sporting venue.

The Camperdown Turf Club Grandstand is of historical and social significance for its associations with the history of horse racing in Victoria. It is a rare surviving example of an early twentieth century country racetrack structure from the period when horse racing was an important part of the social life of rural Victoria. The grandstand is an important feature of this racecourse which has been used for horse racing since 1867 and is one of the longest courses in the State. The grandstand is valued by the community of Camperdown and the region for the role it has played in their sporting and social history.