Developer Hamton and joint venture partner Hostplus have submitted plans for the sixth phase of the redevelopment of Moonee Valley Park – Cox Plate Precinct – in Melbourne's inner northwest, marking the next phase of the $3 billion transformation of Moonee Valley Racecourse.
Cox Plate Precinct is proposing five new buildings that will create around 1,100 homes. The mix includes two build-to-rent residential buildings, two build-to-sell buildings and a hotel. The buildings will range in height from 10 to 25 stories, with 10% of the apartments earmarked for affordable housing. The estimated cost of implementing this phase is just over $850 million.
The residential portions are complemented by over 3,000 m² of retail space, including an approximately 800 m² supermarket, as well as 4,100 m² of commercial office space. The hotel will have 184 rooms and utilize the ground floor level for lobby and retail uses.
The Cox Plate Precinct occupies part of the existing racecourse infrastructure, including the grandstands, horse stalls and parade ring, and will further expand Tote Park, completed in 2020. Architects DKO, Nelson + Koo and FK Australia are collaborating to design the precinct, with landscaping led by Tract.
“We are pleased to be working through the planning process for this next phase at Moonee Valley Park. We are creating a unique mixed-use precinct and this collection of buildings will further unlock significant new housing offerings for Melbourne's inner north west.”
Matt Malzeed, Become Director, Strength
The two build-to-sell buildings, Grandstand North and Grandstand South, will be positioned to overlook the racecourse. The south stand will have a tower shape interrupted by vertical greenery and will contain around 366 apartments. The North Stand will be a slim tower with 191 apartments.
According to the Urban Design Report, Grandstand North will act as a plaza-forming marker where Cox Place opens onto the race track, with an oval shape that aligns the apartments with Melbourne's CBD. The report describes the design as a striking silhouette within the wider Moonee Valley skyline, with podium levels extending along Cox Place to create a clear and accessible entrance sequence.
The proposal was submitted to the Victorian Planning Department in May. Subject to approvals, construction of the two residential buildings is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2028. A construction partner has not yet been determined.
The Cox Plate Precinct continues Hamton and Hostplus' long-term implementation of the Moonee Valley Park masterplan, which will transform the historic racecourse into a mixed-use community of homes, hospitality, employment and open space.