Visitors to Fairview Racecourse in Greenbushes in Port Elizabeth have been amazed by the transformation of the building and facilities.
During the last few years, a decision was taken to create one flagship racecourse in PE and, as such, Fairview is fast becoming a showpiece.
To say a transformation has taken place, is putting it lightly. Upgrading of the building started in September last year and the first race meeting back there was held on Friday, November 9.
During this two-month break, while racing took place at Arlington Racecourse, a massive building project was undertaken.
The upgrade included:
- The HB Christian Room has been extended and is now vastly bigger and ever so modern and stylish. Apart from premier horseracing events, it is suitable to host upmarket weddings and corporate events;
- A completely open-plan bar has been built in the middle of the HB Christian Room;
- A new smoking room has been built on the top floor of the venue;
- A new office for the commentator was added;
- A new office for the photo-finish staff has been built;
- A brand-new tote area has been established;
- The kitchen has been upgraded and modernised;
- The old furniture has been replaced or upgraded;
- Toilet facilities has been upgraded.
Still in progress is the building of the Polytrack. This all-weather surface track, which is being built inside the existing turf track, will be the first of its kind in South Africa.
There is a similar training track at Randjiesfontein in the Gauteng area, but it is only used for training.
Work on the Polytrack commenced in September 2012 and it is anticipated that it will be completed by the end of July this year.
The racing fraternity is anxiously awaiting the completion of the project as it heralds a new era in the Bay.
“I am very excited about the Polytrack as it should introduce a totally new approach in a way races will be run as the surface is a lot faster and more horse-friendly,” said Phumelela Gaming Leisure general manager Luciano Passerini.
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