Global Awards News

LONDON: Multigenerational housing is increasingly becoming the stadium backdrop to sporting events around the world.

A star jockey, racehorse owners and a family who paid $3.1m for a unique apartment are among buyers snapping up homes in a landmark development at Flemington Racecourse.

Top hoop Ben Melham has saddled up a property in the $150m “Darley” development, the first residential development on the iconic racecourse land in its 182-year history.

The development, to start construction in September, will include an infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the Flemington racetrack and stables, 313 apartments and two cinemas.

It will also boast a 300sq m gym, yoga, pilates and steam rooms, about 250sq m of work-from-home office space, a wine cellar, seventh-level residents’ space with a barbecue area, outdoor lounges, private dining rooms and a library.

Hall of fame jockey Damien Oliver is an ambassador for the horseshoe-shaped project by Pace Development Group.

Pace spokesman Ashley Bramich confirmed Melham was one of the first buyers to sign off on a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for just under $1m.

“Not only does it get all the north and the west sun but it actually looks straight on to the 1200m straight where they jump for the Newmarket Handicap,” he said.

A family last week bought a three-bedroom, 213sq m apartment on the northern side overlooking the infinity pool with a 100sq m-plus balcony and entertaining space with sunset views.

Connections of champion racehorses were among interested parties as more than $19m of sales were racked up in the opening week of sales for The Darley.

Mr Bramich said it was hoped the heritage-protected former jockey hospital on the site, bought for more than $30m five years ago, could be converted into a cafe by chef Scott Pickett.