The Eagle Farm grandstand long known as the John Power Stand is set for demolition from August, ending nearly seven decades of use at the Ascot racecourse as plans progress for its replacement, The Terraces.
John Power Stand Nears Closure At Eagle Farm
The John Power Stand at Eagle Farm Racecourse is preparing to come down after nearly 70 years as part of a major change to the Ascot racing precinct.
The final winter carnival meeting at Eagle Farm marked the end of a long chapter for the ageing stand, which was built in 1957 and has capacity for about 4,000 people.
Engineers have determined the structure presents health and safety concerns for patrons, with the stand scheduled to be decommissioned in August 2026. Demolition is expected to begin from August and take between four and six months.
Named after former Queensland Turf Club president Dr John Power, the stand has long formed part of the spectator precinct at Eagle Farm Racecourse, Queensland’s premier thoroughbred racing venue.
The Terraces Planned For Ascot Precinct
The Eagle Farm grandstand will be replaced by The Terraces, a four-level facility planned with updated safety, accessibility and race-day amenities.
The proposed new stand will include bars, a restaurant with tiered seating and five private suites that can be reconfigured into a larger function room. Planning for the facility has also included public and patron areas, a ground-floor plaza and a rooftop restaurant and bar.
Hassell and RWA Sports Architecture have been linked to the design, which is planned around racecourse views, hospitality spaces and improved facilities for spectators.
Construction of the replacement stand is not expected to start until the new year at the earliest.
Funding Still Being Finalised
An initial $25 million has been secured to start the first phase of the redevelopment.
The broader project has been placed at $100 million, with Brisbane Racing Club continuing negotiations for the remaining $75 million.
The new spectator facilities are being delivered through a partnership between Racing Queensland and Brisbane Racing Club.
Racing To Continue During Redevelopment
Eagle Farm is expected to operate under a different model while the redevelopment proceeds.
Both the John Power Stand and the adjoining heritage stand will be closed to the public, with the heritage stand also due for upgrades. The racecourse is scheduled to host its next Saturday meeting on 25 July.
Planning has included exclusion zones to keep race meetings operating during the works. Brisbane Racing Club has spent months preparing for the transition and has said maintaining racing continuity remains a priority.
A members’ information night is scheduled at Eagle Farm on 14 July to address questions about the changes ahead.
Published 30-June-2026
