Melbourne Showgrounds Masterplan Update

Further to the Victorian Government funding announcement in July 2019, The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) is pleased confirm that the masterplan for Melbourne Showgrounds will commence early in the 2020.

The masterplan, which will be completed over the next 12 months, will identify how the site can be improved to maximise its potential as a centre for agriculture, events, exhibitions and wider community use.

It will look at options to upgrade or replace ageing infrastructure and how to best integrate transport, exhibition and accommodation facilities into the precinct.

As part of the masterplan, show lovers, local residents and the wider community will be invited to contribute ideas at community consultation sessions.

New CEO of The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, Brad Jenkins, was excited to commence work on the vision.

“There is tremendous potential for Melbourne Showgrounds as Melbourne’s largest and most versatile events venue. The masterplan provides the opportunity to bring our vision to life and make an even bigger contribution to the Victorian community – in events, agriculture, entertainment, education and so much more," stated Mr. Jenkins.   

“We are excited by opportunities to renew this iconic site which would see it become the best events precinct in Australia, a valuable connector of city and country and the centre of excellence for food and agriculture”.

RASV events including the Royal Melbourne Show attract around 450,000 people each year and generate an estimated $430 million in economic benefit for Victoria.

Melbourne Showgrounds has hosted the Royal Melbourne Show since 1883. Since then it has grown into a truly multi-use space for events, exhibitions, music festivals, exams and competitions.

Despite this growth, the infrastructure has not kept up with the new and changing uses of the precinct.

Melbourne Showgrounds is just 7km from the CBD with fantastic views of the city, a 300-camera CCTV network, dark fibre 5G capacity and its own dedicated railway station. It is the only comprehensive indoor/outdoor events and production precinct in Victoria.

As well as hosting the Royal Melbourne Show every year, Melbourne Showgrounds hosts trade shows including the Caravan and Camping Super Show, exhibitions including Equitana, concerts, university exams, festivals and private events.

Please email us at masterplan@melbourneshowgrounds.com to stay informed with the progress of the Masterplan.