Search 500+ encyclopedic topics...
Ctrl K
Back to Explore

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Headquarters Project

Sports Infrastructure2 min readAugust 15, 2026
Key Takeaways & Facts
  • The proposed headquarters and training facility are planned for the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve in Caulfield East.
  • The project proposal includes two Australian rules football ovals, two multi-use sports fields, a pavilion, and a tunnel beneath the racetrack.
  • A feasibility study for the Caulfield site was announced in December 2023 and completed in September 2024.

The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve project involves a proposed training facility and administrative headquarters for the Melbourne Football Club (MFC), located within the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve in the suburb of Caulfield East.

Project Proposal and Facilities

Under the proposal, the facility would be situated within the perimeter of the racetrack. Planned features include two Australian rules football ovals, two multi-use sports fields, and a pavilion. Access to the interior of the track would involve the construction of a tunnel underneath the racetrack.

Background and Alternative Locations

Historically, the Melbourne Football Club has maintained strong ties to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where it has played home matches since 1889. The club trained at the MCG until 1985 before relocating its training base to Junction Oval in St Kilda. In 2009, training operations moved to Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, while football offices and indoor training facilities moved to AAMI Park in late 2010. The club also utilizes Gosch's Paddock, located adjacent to the MCG.

Prior to pursuing the Caulfield site, the club explored several other locations. In June 2018, the MFC proposed establishing a headquarters next to Jolimont railway station with an oval in Yarra Park, a plan that was not supported by the Victorian state government. Subsequent plans were considered for the southern side of Gosch's Paddock, alongside discussions regarding land between Olympic Park Oval and AAMI Park, Melbourne University, Elsternwick Park, and Docklands Stadium.

Feasibility Study and Timeline

On 12 December 2023, the Melbourne Football Club announced the commencement of a feasibility study in partnership with the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust (CRRT) and local community stakeholders to evaluate the Caulfield site. The feasibility study concluded in September 2024. Reports indicated that the club considered relocating its training and administration departments to Waverley Park in Mulgrave on an interim basis prior to a potential move to the Caulfield facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The proposed facility is planned to be located within the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve in Caulfield East.

References (10)

  1. [1]

    Deale, Carla (20 June 2018). "Demons announce master plan for Yarra Park". ZeroHanger. Archived from the original on 13 May 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  2. [2]

    Morris, Tom (18 August 2021). "Exclusive: Demons hatch plans to FINALLY solve eight-year problem". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on 23 July 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  3. [3]

    Ryan, Peter (18 September 2024). "Demons announce 'crucial milestone' in bid for Caulfield Racecourse move". The Age. Archived from the original on 23 July 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  4. [4]

    Pascoe, Robert; Pennings, Mark (May 2009). "The Culture of Australian Football at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground, 1878–1921" (PDF). QUT. Sporting Traditions. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 July 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  5. [5]

    Sorati, Danielle (6 February 2023). "Demons reportedly hoping to build new Caulfield Racecourse training base". ZeroHanger. Archived from the original on 17 July 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  6. [6]

    Pert, Gary (18 September 2024). "Feasibility study complete: Creating our home". Melbourne Football Club. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  7. [7]

    Burgan, Matt (13 May 2010). "New facilities will boost spirits: Schwab". Melbourne Football Club. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  8. [8]

    "Melbourne's goal unchanged after MRC carves up Caulfield Racecourse for $195m". Green Street News. 10 December 2024. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

    Source Link
  9. [9]

    Twomey, Callum (1 December 2025). "Waverley on Demons' radar as new full-time base remains a focus". AFL.com.au. Archived from the original on 27 January 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.

    Source Link
  10. [10]

    Morris, Tom (10 March 2026). "Melbourne set to formalise interim move to Waverley Park". SEN. Archived from the original on 10 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.

    Source Link
Topics:#Melbourne Football Club#Caulfield Racecourse Reserve#training facility#Australian rules football#sports infrastructure
Explore Sports Infrastructure