Turning the sod: Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment officially underway

MEDIA RELEASE 
For Immediate Release 
18 November 2025

Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) marked a major milestone in its historic redevelopment with a turning of the sod ceremony last week, signalling the start of construction on the racing club’s estate.

Following the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, Symal and the Club will now proceed with the much-anticipated redevelopment of racecourse infrastructure as part of its vision to build “The Valley of Tomorrow.”

“After years of detailed planning for the ‘Valley of Tomorrow’, we are pleased to now step into the delivery stage. The support from our members has been remarkable, and I am excited to bring them along on this transformation journey,” said MVRC Chair Adam Lennen

“It was a collaborative process with Symal throughout the Early Contractor Involvement phase, and the Club is very satisfied with the outcome.”

“Delivering The Valley of Tomorrow is about more than building — it’s about vision, trust, and collaboration,” said Joe Bartolo, Group Managing Director. “Symal is proud to be contributing our technical expertise to help Moonee Valley Racing Club realise its vision and achieve exceptional design and construction outcomes.”

“We’re honoured to play a role in the next chapter of Moonee Valley’s rich sporting history — creating a dynamic, welcoming destination that celebrates the Club’s legacy and strengthens its place in the community,” Bartolo continued.

“Symal has a proven track record in delivering major infrastructure projects, and they are the ideal partner to help realise The Valley’s long-term vision for a vibrant mixed-use precinct that integrates world-class racing, entertainment and community spaces,” said MVRC Chief Executive Michael Browell.

Their ability to integrate commercial discipline, sustainability principles, and community considerations into their approach gives us confidence that this redevelopment will set a new benchmark for Australia’s racing industry and wow community users well into the next century.

The redevelopment works will take several years to complete and have been carefully staged to ensure minimal downtime, without compromising quality or safety.  

Beyond racing, the venue will host a range of community activities, creating inclusive spaces that deliver value well beyond race days.

Racing will return to the new Valley racecourse at the commencement of the 2027/28 racing season.

Symal was appointed the ~$70 million head contractor for the main works construction package, which includes a new racetrack and associated facilities, in June 2025. This project award was secured as a result of a successful Early Contractor Involvement process.

Symal’s reputation as a market leader in community and recreation infrastructure, combined with its broad technical expertise and collaborative approach, made it the ideal partner for this complex project.

An icon of Australia’s horse racing history

Established in 1883, Moonee Valley Racing Club is undergoing a once-in-a-generation redevelopment that will secure its long-term future. The project will ensure racing continues at The Valley while delivering a vibrant precinct that integrates sport, entertainment and community spaces.

Undergoing a transformation of its own, Symal Group said goodbye to its humble home of 20 years in Melbourne’s western suburbs when it moved its headquarters to South Melbourne this month.

Symal partnered with Australian consulting and development group, Schiavello. With a expanding, diverse infrastructure services workforce, Symal’s head office move marks the next chapter in the ASX-listed company’s growth journey.

ENDS

Contacts:  

Symal Group - Pia Witt - Symal Group Corporate Affairs e: pia.witt@symal.com.au m: 0407 036 377 

Moonee Valley Racing Club – Nick Hluchaniuk – Senior Communications Advisor e: nick.hluchaniuk@mvrc.net.au m: 0409 973 744 

About Symal:  

Symal Group (ASX:SYL) is a diversified services provider focused on resilient end markets, delivering  contracting and specialised technical services across Australia’s most critical industries. Through an integrated delivery model, Symal provides end-to-end solutions spanning infrastructure, power and  renewables, utilities, data centres, defence, building and facilities.  

Founded in 2001, Symal Group was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in November of 2024. www.symal.com.au