Royal Randwick's new grandstand inspired by race day fashion

The Royal Randwick’s new six-level grandstand in Sydney has recently been completed, with its interior design taking cues from fashion in an elegant and timeless design solution.

Working with the Australian Turf Club on the $168 million, 35,000 square metre grandstand facility designed by Fitzpatrick Partners, Woods Bagot delivered the complex series of interiors which was required to accommodate a diverse range of event options.

“Versatility was an important part of the design,” says Woods Bagot Principal, Wade Little.

“We needed to cater for everyone, from the general public, right through to horse owners and trainers, plus create a space that could be used for other functions and events on non-race days.”

With six restaurants, ten bars and five food outlets, the project required a large-scale design idea. Woods Bagot created a three-tier ordering device that was used to develop a design language for the public and the intimate spaces.

Portals, which frame key areas, were created through varying materials and form, and establish a visual and functional hierarchy throughout the precinct.

The intrinsic link between racing and fashion also became a key building block in Woods Bagot’s design approach, using ideas of pattern-making and motifs inspired by textile design in both large scale gestures, and small scale detailing.

“Fashion is such an important part of the races. People wear the best clothes that they have, whether that’s a tailored herringbone suit or a Missoni dress. Both of these patterns provided inspiration for the interiors,” says Little.

The grandstand features a full glass frontage, offering uninterrupted views of the track on one side. At the rear of each level, terraces provide views of the Theatre of the Horse, Centennial Park and the Sydney CBD.

Photography by Trevor Mein