Jockey Club’s facelift complete

WORK to restore the facade of an historic building at the Bendigo Jocky Club has been completed in time for the venue’s major spring and summer race meets.

Built in 1902, $150,000 worth of works were undertaken on the Federation-era redbrick grandstand during winter.

The 120-year-old building features historical architectural elements including a gabled roof held up by iron trusses, detailed timber and iron lattice work, and raked seating.

“Just imagine if those walls could talk” said Bendigo Jockey Club CEO Rob Heinjus. “Our history is an important element of defining who we are as a 165-year-old racing club.

“We recognise the importance of maintaining a connection to the past, and the heritage grandstand is an obvious, and stunning relic of times past.”

The recent works were the first-time major renovations had been undertaken on the building in 15 years, and BJC chair Jack Lyons said club members “couldn’t be happier” with the outcome.

“Investing club funds back into our facilities is challenging at times but this was an important project for the Bendigo Jockey Club,” he said.

“We couldn’t be happier with the result and can’t wait to see it packed to the rafters on Bendigo Cup Day.”

Work on the grandstand has been completed intime for upcoming major meetings on the club’s calendar including the Community Race Day this Sunday 8 October and the Bendigo Cup set for Wednesday 1 November.

“It’s such a picturesque building, we wanted to show it off this year. You know it’s the perfect backdrop for selfies too,” said Mr Heinjus.