Tag: John Power Stand

New Grandstand Planned At Eagle Farm Racecourse

Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

A new grandstand is planned at Eagle Farm, with $25 million committed to begin demolition and early works to replace the ageing John Power Stand at the Brisbane racecourse.

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Site History And Existing Facilities

Eagle Farm Racecourse has hosted thoroughbred racing for more than 160 years. Several spectator facilities at the venue, including the John Power Stand, have been assessed as nearing the end of their operational life.

Engineering investigations into the John Power Stand were first undertaken in 2013, with further assessments completed in 2022 and 2023. These reports identified significant structural deterioration and concluded that major components of the building were approaching the end of their structural lifespan.

The John Power Stand is scheduled to be decommissioned in August 2026, following the conclusion of the Winter Carnival.

Funding And Project Scope

An initial $25 million has been released to support the first stage of redevelopment at Eagle Farm. The funding will allow demolition of the John Power Stand to commence and enable detailed planning for a replacement spectator facility.

The funding forms part of a broader loan arrangement for racing infrastructure and aligns with a statewide framework aimed at delivering modern, fit-for-purpose facilities across Queensland’s racing network.

Brisbane Racing Club
Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Planning And Approval Pathway

The Eagle Farm grandstand redevelopment has been approved under Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID-0524-0842), granted in October 2025. The designation enables a state-led assessment process for the project.

Planning documentation associated with the designation includes concept designs for a new facility, referred to as The Terraces, which will replace the John Power Stand.

John Power Stand
Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Maintaining Racing Operations

The Brisbane Racing Club, which operates Eagle Farm, has indicated the works will be staged to allow racing to continue during redevelopment. Coordination with Racing Queensland is intended to minimise disruption between the end of the 2026 Winter Carnival and the commencement of the 2027 season.

Eagle Farm grandstand
Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Looking Ahead

Read: Harness Racing to Remain in Brisbane With New Racing Precinct in Albion

Once completed, the new grandstand is expected to provide upgraded amenities and improved accessibility, supporting ongoing use of Eagle Farm as Queensland’s premier thoroughbred racing venue.

Published 7-Jan-2026

Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline

Queensland’s iconic Eagle Farm Racecourse, a hub of thoroughbred racing in the state, requires a significant redevelopment of its aging John Power Stand before its safety certification expires in August 2026, according to the Brisbane Racing Club.

Read: Historic John Power Grandstand Faces Demolition in Eagle Farm Racecourse Revamp

The Race Against Time

The grandstand at Eagle Farm has surpassed its intended lifespan, with engineering reports confirming it is only “safe for now.” Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) Chief Executive Karl deKroo highlighted the urgency of starting construction work to avoid disruption during key carnival periods and to ensure the venue remains operational while the redevelopment progresses.

The Terraces Eagle Farm racecourse
Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

The proposed project, titled “The Terraces,” aims to replace the John Power Stand with a scaled-down, modern structure suitable for one of Queensland’s premier racing facilities. DeKroo noted that despite the challenges of securing funding amid government priorities like the 2032 Olympics, action is essential to prevent the venue from falling into disrepair.

The replacement of the John Power Stand is part of a broader project, referenced as MID-0524-0842 – Eagle Farm Racecourse, which includes significant upgrades within the “Eagle Farm Grandstand Precinct.” This redevelopment project seeks to align with existing planning approvals and regulatory conditions established through court judgments in 2015 and 2016.

As part of the development process, a public consultation period was conducted from 25 September 2024 to 18 December 2024, allowing stakeholders and community members to review and provide feedback on the project’s plans.

Plans for The Terraces Eagle Farm racecourse
Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Community and Industry Significance

Eagle Farm Racecourse is more than just a sporting venue. As the heart of thoroughbred racing in Queensland, it plays a vital role in the state’s economy and cultural identity. DeKroo stressed the importance of investing in the venue for the benefit of the entire racing industry, which relies heavily on Eagle Farm’s operations. He also expressed support for past investments in regional and greyhound racing but called for recognition of Eagle Farm’s critical role in metropolitan racing.

The BRC has historically funded its projects independently, including a $50 million training facility that supports the broader industry. However, deKroo argued that this redevelopment requires government collaboration, especially given the project’s broader economic and community implications.

Demolition plans for the grandstand at the Eagle Farm racecourse
Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Balancing Development and Future Needs

In addition to preserving the racecourse, the BRC sees an opportunity to align with Queensland’s preparations for the 2032 Olympics. DeKroo suggested that nearby Doomben Racecourse could serve Olympic-related needs, such as hosting equestrian quarantine facilities or training fields, providing an enduring community benefit.

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While the project timeline is tight, the BRC remains committed to ensuring Eagle Farm Racecourse remains a key part of Queensland’s racing and cultural heritage. With the 2026 deadline, the BRC emphasised the importance of starting enabling works immediately to avoid operational disruptions.

Published 6-Jan-2025