News

• 2008-03-13 - Appointment of new chair of showgrounds joint venture

  The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper, today announced the appointment of Ms Johanna (Joh) Barker as the new independent Chairperson of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds Joint Venture.

  Ms Barker is a senior banking executive, holds qualifications in accounting and finance, and has worked as a consultant and Chief Finance and Operations Officer in the IT industry.

  Ms Barker has worked on audit, risk and finance committees for such bodies as the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and at State level with the North East Catchment Management Authority and the former Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

  Mr Helper said Ms Barker was well known in the industry for her work on the Broiler Industry Negotiation Committee and the Egg Marketing Board.

  The Royal Melbourne Showgrounds have been redeveloped under the Partnerships Victoria framework by a joint venture between the Brumby Government and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) Limited.

  Mr Helper said Ms Barker had a combination of rural and commercial experience which made her an excellent choice to chair the joint venture.

  “She has a strong understanding of the Royal Melbourne Show’s value and its iconic status in Victoria, and will work together with the government and the RASV to meet the long-term objectives for the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds,” Mr Helper said.

  “The Royal Melbourne Show provides a forum for country people to display their skills and rural know-how and feel pride in their achievements in difficult times. It gives Melburnians the opportunity to learn about country life in an entertaining environment.”

  Mr Helper praised the work of outgoing Chair Adrian Nye who has overseen the Joint Venture through completion of the works at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and successful transition of the Royl Melbourne Show and other major events to the renewed facilities.

   

• 2007-09-26 - Thumbs up for showgrounds development

  Planning Minister Justin Madden today approved an application for a new mixed-use development to be built on the eastern corner of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds site in Ascot Vale.

  With an Epsom Road frontage, the development will comprise a medical centre, supermarket, some shops and office space. As part of the approval, the historic Woodfull Pavilion will be restored to its former glory and reused to house a 120-place childcare centre and office.

  Consistent with the Master Plan for this particular site, the project will realise a specific Melbourne 2030 initiative; to redevelop the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds as a venue that can be used for general everyday activities as well as major events throughout the year.

  “This exciting project will breathe new life into a historic Melbourne landmark. The addition of a mixed use development at the site will mean that locals and visitors to the area will be able to enjoy access to a wide range of facilities all year round,” Mr Madden said.

  “Melbourne 2030 encourages development in and around our Activity Centres, and this development will add to the diversity of this precinct bringing a new buzz to the area.

  “Growth projections for this area are strong and this development will address this future demand as well as attracting more visitors with the potential for positive flow-on for other local businesses.”

  The project recognises the history of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and the activities that occur on the land during the staging of the Royal Melbourne Show each September.

  The development will be pedestrian-friendly and designed to blend with the rest of the Showgrounds site.

  “This project fits into our vision for thriving communities with cafes, public spaces and places where people can meet and take part in community activities,” Mr Madden said.

  “It is an excellent example of the Brumby Government’s commitment to building strong vibrant communities across Victoria.”

   

• 2006-09-22 - Premier opens 2006 Royal Melbourne Show

  The wait is over for hundreds of thousands of Victorians who will flock to the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show – the first event to be held at the redeveloped Showgrounds which have undergone a $108 million transformation.

  Premier Steve Bracks, and the President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), Jack Seymour, officially opened the Show this morning and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the completion of the redevelopment.

  Mr Bracks said the Victorian Government has provided the $108 million for the redevelopment – the most significant in more than 120 years.

  Visiting the redeveloped site on the first day of this year’s Royal Melbourne Show, Mr Bracks said the redevelopment had breathed new live into Showgrounds while ensuring the ‘Best of Shows’ had a secure home at the ‘Best of Showground’.

  “You can’t help but be impressed with the changes, including the careful restoration of heritage buildings and the exciting new buildings and outdoor spaces,” Mr Bracks said.

  “The Show is Victoria’s biggest public event, bringing together country and city as well as providing 11 days of excitement, entertainment and the showbags.

  “Many of the heritage buildings were dilapidated but we’ve been able to restore them to their former glory including the Public Grandstand, Centenary Hall and the Horse Pavilion.

  “The new Grand Pavilion, the largest permanent tent structure in Australia, and the Grand Boulevard, which snakes its way through the site, will become iconic features of the Melbourne Showgrounds.

  “Importantly, we’ve also created an event and exhibition site that can be used year round and will build on Melbourne’s reputation as a major event destination.”

  Joining the Premier at the showgrounds today, Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, said the project had secured the future of the Royal Melbourne Show at the Flemington site.

  “The Victorian Government has worked with the RASV in ensuring the Showgrounds redevelopment would secure the future of the Royal Melbourne Show at this site,” Mr Cameron said.

  The Royal Melbourne Show runs from 21 September – 1 October at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington.

  The new buildings and facilities include:

  • A 8,000-square meter Grand Pavilion, a new landmark building for the Showgrounds and Melbourne,
  • A new 10,000-square meter Exhibition Pavilion, which can house livestock,
  • A new 4,300-seat outdoor arena, capable of holding two horse competition rings,
  • A Grand Boulevard linking the grassy spaces and events areas, and
  • The new headquarters for the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

  Heritage buildings that have been renovated and restored as part of the redevelopment include:

  • Centenary Hall, an art-deco hall built in 1934 and now restored to its original condition,
  • The heritage-listed Public Grandstand, built in 1915 with new seating,
  • Pie in the Sky, the heritage-listed and popular meeting point which was built in 1977.

  
  

• 2006-08-27 - New-look showgrounds on show as preparations start

  The Victorian public today were given the first sneak preview of the completed $108 million Royal Melbourne Showgrounds redevelopment.

  The Agriculture Minister, Bob Cameron, joined about 500 residents and the Member for Essendon, Judy Maddigan, to look at the finished project for the first time.

  “Today marks the final milestone of the project – the end of construction and a new beginning for the Showgrounds precinct as a year round event venue,” Mr Cameron said.

  “The first event for the revamped show grounds is the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show which opens in less than four weeks on 21 September.

  “The Showgrounds have an exciting new look and feel and I am sure all Victorians will be delighted and proud of the transformation when they experience the new venue first-hand at this year’s show.

  “The Bracks Government has breathed new life into the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and secured the future of the Show.

  “I congratulate all those who were involved in completing the transformation which has been delivered in time for the 2006 Show.”

  Mr Cameron said the Melbourne Showgrounds had linked the country and city throughout its history.

  “The redevelopment will ensure the Showgrounds continues play this role, while also providing a first-class venue to promote, showcase and advance Victoria’s agricultural sector,” he said.

  “Without this investment, the Show’s future was at risk. Provincial Victoria’s home in Melbourne now has a bright future.”

  Mr Cameron said the project had restored the best of the old, and delivered brand new facilities - including the stunning new Grand Pavilion or Big Top, that is set to become a landmark feature of Melbourne’s skyline.

  The new buildings and facilities include:

  • A 8,000-square meter Grand Pavilion, a new landmark building for the Showgrounds and Melbourne,
  • A new 10,000-square meter Exhibition Pavilion, which can house livestock,
  • A new 4,300-seat outdoor arena, capable of holding two horse competition rings,
  • A Grand Boulevard linking the grassy spaces and events areas, and
  • The new headquarters for the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

  Heritage buildings that have been renovated and restored as part of the redevelopment include:

  • Centenary Hall, an art-deco hall built in 1934 and now restored to its original condition,
  • The heritage-listed Public Grandstand, built in 1915 with new seating,
  • Pie in the Sky, the heritage-listed and popular meeting point which was built in 1977.

  The redevelopment is a Joint Venture between the Victorian Government and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and is being delivered by PPP Solutions, comprising Multiplex Infrastructure and Babcock & Brown. Construction started in early 2005.

  For this years event only, vacant land next to the show grounds site will be used to host the Royal Melbourne Show

  Mr Cameron said the Victorian Government’s $108 million investment in the redevelopment had created jobs and opportunities for suppliers and contractors as well as better event facilities for all Victorians.

  “The redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds is part of the Victorian Government’s record $12.6 billion investment in infrastructure across the State,” Mr Lenders said.

  The 2006 Royal Melbourne Show opens on 21 September and runs until 1 October 2006.
  

• 2006-07-18 - Showground’s new big top is bigger than big

  The Royal Melbourne Showground’s new big top, one of the largest tent structures in Australia, is set to become a landmark feature of Melbourne’s skyline, the Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, said today.

  Mr Cameron today launched the 8,000 square-metre Grand Pavilion, which is a central feature of the Bracks Governments $108 million redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington.

  “The Bracks Government is breathing new life into the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds to give families a great venue to come together and relax in Victoria’s largest family event – the Royal Melbourne Show,” he said.

  “We are building Victoria a better home for the much loved Show while delivering a modern and versatile venue to promote and showcase the State’s agriculture sector. The new Showgrounds will provide an even better location for the coming together of country and city Victorians.”

  Mr Cameron said the Grand Pavilion was about half the size of the playing surface of the MCG or the equivalent of 30 tennis courts. “We hope the flexibility of the Grand Pavilion and other surrounding venues will mean increased business and event opportunities for the Showgrounds and the State as well.”

  John Fox from the Royal Agricultural Society said the Grand Pavilion would be the centrepiece of the Showgrounds redevelopment project which is on track to be delivered on time for the Royal Melbourne Show in September.”

  Mr Fox said bumper crowds were expected at this year’s show. “The Showgrounds look and feel completely different and I am sure Victorians will be excited to look around the new site at the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show. It preserves the best traditions of the Show, and the Showgrounds, while allowing it to renew the Show for the 21st century.”

  The Minister for Major Projects, John Lenders, said the redevelopment was a joint venture between the Bracks Government and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria with financial partnership provided by Badcock & Brown.

  “We are preserving the past through restoring heritage buildings on site and delivering new facilities including a new headquarters for the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria in the Town Square Pavilion, a new 10,000-square meter exhibition space and a new outdoor arena,” he said.

  “The Showgrounds project is part of the Bracks Government record $12.6 billion investment in infrastructure across the State that is creating jobs and opportunities for suppliers and contractors as well as providing better facilities for all Victorians to use now and in the future.”

• 2006-05-24 - Redeveloped showground is no pie in the sky

  The Minister for Major Projects, John Lenders, today lifted a paintbrush to kick-start the facelift of an iconic landmark at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, the Pie in the Sky.

  Mr Lenders visited the showgrounds site to inspect the progress of work on the $108 million redevelopment, which is on track for completion in time for the Royal Melbourne Show in September.

  “The redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds is giving a much-needed facelift to old structures which have been known and loved by generations of Victorians, including the Pie in the Sky,” Mr Lenders said.

  “For the last 29 years, Victorians at the show have arranged to meet under the Pie in the Sky – and this tradition will now continue for at least that time again, thanks to this Government’s major investment.

  “As well as preserving heritage structures on the site, the $108 million Bracks Government redevelopment is building new structures to create a modern venue that can be used for a variety of events.”

  Mr Lenders was today joined by children from Ascot Vale Primary School to inspect the revamp of the pie which was built in 1977.

  The fibreglass pie, which was heritage-listed in 1999, has been renovated as part of the redevelopment of the showgrounds. After it is painted, it will be placed back on its legs.

  Mr Lenders said construction work was in full swing with renovation of the heritage-listed Public Stand underway and several new buildings taking shape, including the new Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria’s headquarters in the Town Square Pavilion, the Grand Pavilion and a major new exhibition space.

  “The Bracks Government is breathing new life into the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds to deliver a better home for the Show and a versatile venue to use all year round,” Mr Lenders said.

  “No other government in the state’s history has invested as much in infrastructure as this Government has – over then next four years we will spend $11 billion on building infrastructure for all Victorians, or an average of $2.8 billion a year.

  “This investment is creating jobs and opportunities for suppliers and contractors as delivering better schools, hospitals and infrastructure all Victorians to enjoy now and in the future.”

  The project is being delivered by a Joint Venture between the State Government and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

   

• 2006-04-30 - Lenders unveils a greener new arena at showgrounds redevelopment

  The redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds was progressing well and would rejuvenate a priceless community asset Minister for Major Projects, John Lenders said today when unveiling a major stage of the project.

  Mr Lenders visited the Showgrounds to inspect the progress of work on the $108 million redevelopment and unveiled the newly completed 4300 seat arena. The overall development is on track for completion in time for the Royal Melbourne Show in September.

  “The redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds is breathing new life into one of Victoria’s great icons and the new arena is a great example of the magnificent spectacle hundreds of thousands of visitors can expect in September,” Mr Lenders said.

  “This project rejuvenates the Showgrounds and is a great example of sustainable redevelopment while maintaining the history and heritage that has made it such a special place for generations of Victorians.

  In another first for the Showgrounds the nearly 700 new trees and shrubs planted as part of the redevelopment will be kept using recycled water.

  “Nearly 500 new mainly-native Australian trees and nearly 200 shrubs and ground-cover plants have been planted on the site as part of the redevelopment. A hard-wearing, easy-care grass was chosen for the main arena which will host the Grand Parade and animal shows, all adding to a more sustainable and greener Royal Melbourne Show than ever before,” Mr Lenders said.

  “Massive water tanks constructed under the main Exhibition Hall which can store 300,000 litres - roughly equivalent to a third of an Olympic-sized swimming pool - and the recycled water they collect will be used to irrigate the main arena.”

  Construction work is progressing with renovation of the heritage-listed Public Stand underway and several new buildings taking shape, including the new Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria’s headquarters, the Town Square Pavilion and the Grand Pavilion.

  “The Grand Pavilion will be the centrepiece for the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and will provide 8,000 meters of covered exhibition space when complete” Mr Lenders said.

  “It will provide a better home for the show and a modern venue to promote the Victorian agribusiness sector.”

  “Once completed, the redevelopment will provide a versatile, high-quality multi-purpose venue which can be used for the Show and for other events throughout the year.”

  The Royal Melbourne Showgrounds redevelopment project is part of the Victorian Government’s major investment in infrastructure with an $11 billion program planned over the next four years.

   

• 2005-09-19 - Agribusiness turns to show business

  The Premier, Steve Bracks, today toured the Royal Melbourne Show and inspected progress on the Government’s $108 million redevelopment of the Showgrounds.

  Mr Bracks and Cabinet Ministers were at the Show for the annual Royal Agricultural Society Cabinet luncheon.

  “The Show is Victoria’s best-attended event, attracting about half a million people each year,” he said. “And with the redevelopment of the whole precinct, Victorians have a lot to look forward to in years to come.”

  Mr Bracks said benefits from the redevelopment were already visible, with buildings completed including the refurbished heritage Agricultural Hall, the historic Centenary Hall and the renovated Royal Block.

  “Visitors to this year’s Show will be able to see the new wood chop pavilion, wood store and an extended show bags pavilion.”

  Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron said the redevelopment would provide a better home for the Show, along with a permanent venue to promote the Victorian agribusiness sector.

  “The Showgrounds are just one of the record number of infrastructure projects being undertaken by this Government, which are driving economic growth and social development across the State.

  “Over the past five years, the Government has invested more than $10 billion in infrastructure projects, and will invest a further $10 billion over the next five years.”

  Mr Cameron said the Show highlighted Victoria’s thriving agribusiness sector.

  “Victorian agribusiness leads the nation. We produce 30 per cent of Australia’s food products from just three per cent of the country’s arable land base, and our food and fibre exports are worth $5.7 billion annually.

  “The Royal Melbourne Show brings the country to the city in a great family event.”

  The 150th Royal Melbourne Show – billed as the “Greatest Show Ever” – will run until September 25.

  The chair of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, Jack Seymour, welcomed the Government’s support.

  “I am very proud about the redevelopment’s progress and when it is complete, the transformed Showgrounds will be an invaluable asset for all Victorians,” Mr Seymour said.

   

• 2005-07-01 - Contract signed for showgrounds redevelopment

  The Acting Minister for Major Projects, John Pandazopoulos, today announced the formal signing of contracts for the $108 million redevelopment of Victoria’s much-loved icon, the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.

  Mr Pandazopoulos said contracts between the joint venture partnership – which comprises the State Government and the Royal Agricultural Society – and site developer PPP Solutions were signed yesterday.

  PPP Solutions is a consortium comprising financier Babcock and Brown, Multiplex Constructions, Multiplex Facilities Management, and Daryl Jackson Architects.

  “This historic redevelopment will give the Showgrounds a second lease on life and allow yet another generation of Victorians to experience the Royal Melbourne Show, as well as other events through the year,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

  The Acting Minister for Agriculture, Andre Haermeyer, hailed the project as a boon for provincial Victoria.

  “We are creating a new world-class showcase site for our agricultural produce, and also a place of rural spectacle, carnival, education and culture,” Mr Haermeyer said.

  “The new Showgrounds will provide even more opportunities for Victoria to show off its primary industries through events that will attract multitudes of visitors from Victoria, interstate and overseas.”

  Redevelopment work is already underway and is due for completion next year. Work will continue during the 2005 Royal Melbourne Show, to be held at the Showgrounds from 15-25 September.

  Mr Pandazopoulos said the work would by no means compromise the ‘show experience’ etched in the minds of countless Victorians.

  RAS President Jack Seymour said all elements of the Show would be on offer.

  “The Royal Melbourne Showgrounds redevelopment is a great example of the type of solid and substantial infrastructure that is being undertaken by the Victorian Government in a bid to develop and leave a lasting legacy for the State,” he said.

  “The 2005 Show, during which the Royal Agricultural Society celebrates its 150th Show; will offer a special preview of the look of the brand new site for the 2006 Show.”

   

• 2004-12-06 - Start of a new era for a Victorian icon

  The State Government and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria today marked the start of a new era for one of Victoria’s most loved and popular icons, unveiling redevelopment plans for the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.

  The Premier, Steve Bracks, said the new Showgrounds would retain the facility’s best traditions, but include improved areas to create a better experience for visitors and exhibitors.

  PPP Solutions – a consortium of financier Babcock and Brown, Multiplex Constructions, Multiplex Facilities Management, Spotless Services and Daryl Jackson Architects - will undertake the redevelopment.

  The State Government is providing $101 million under a Joint Venture with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RAS) for the project.

  “This project is about reinvigorating the Showgrounds, improving the link between regional and city residents and creating a better home for the Royal Melbourne Show for future generations to enjoy,” Mr Bracks said.

  “The design carefully considers the traditions and heritage of the Showgrounds, incorporating new buildings to blend with existing infrastructure and creating an adaptable precinct for the Show and other events throughout the year.”

  Chair of the Royal Agricultural Society, Jack Seymour, said the announcement was a major milestone, providing fantastic benefits for the long term future of the Showgrounds.

  “Critically, the new facilities will guarantee the future of one of Victoria’s most popular and enduring public events – the Royal Melbourne Show,” Mr Seymour said.

  “The 2005 Show will be conducted on the current site and the people of Victoria can expect all elements of the Show to be on offer.

  “The new and improved facilities will continue to link the country to the city, creating a central hub to promote Victoria’s agribusiness across the State.”

  Two-thirds of the 27 ha site will be developed as a venue for the Royal Melbourne Show, while ‘non-core’ land on the eastern, Epsom Road, side of the site is planned to be developed for commercial and/or retail use.

  The future of the non-core land on the western, Langs Road, side is yet to be determined.

  Highlights of the redevelopment include:

  • A Grand Pavilion – to be enclosed under a Big Top to protect against the weather;
  • A Town Square, providing a public open space separate from the main arena;
  • A revitalised main entrance and boulevard;
  • A new exhibition space and
  • An outdoor animal competition area.

  Major Projects Minister, Peter Batchelor, said many historic buildings at the site, including the Clydesdale Pavilion, Horticultural Hall and the Public Grandstand, would be retained and restored.

  “The new buildings and facilities will blend seamlessly with the old to create a new and exciting venue, without in any way compromising the ‘Show experience’ Victorians have grown to love,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “This is about creating an even better home away from home for over 10,000 animals over the 11 days of the Royal Melbourne Show each year.”

  The redevelopment will also incorporate a range of environmental features, including rainwater tanks, AAA water fittings, energy efficient appliances, equipment and lighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, solar-boosted hot water systems and energy efficient air conditioning systems.

  PPP Solutions will now apply for planning and heritage approvals, providing members of the public with an opportunity to give feedback on the heritage aspects of detailed designs.

  Redevelopment works are expected to commence early next year, with completion scheduled in time for the 2006 Show.

  The redevelopment of the eastern non-core land will be undertaken once the Showgrounds land redevelopment is complete.

  The Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, said reinvigorating the Melbourne Show would contribute to the growth of the State's agribusiness sector.

  “Throughout its 120 year history, the Melbourne Showgrounds have linked the country and city. Through its redevelopment, it will continue to play this role, and provide a venue for the promotion, showcasing and advancing of the Victorian agribusiness sector," Mr Cameron said.