Ellerslie bosses swap Hill development for new plan

Controversial plans to develop Ellerslie Racecourse have been shelved - and replaced with a new proposal.

Auckland Racing Club plans to build in front of the famous Hill met resistance from some Ellerslie residents. Some racing purists also feared it could affect steeplechase racing at New Zealand's premier racetrack.

But while the Hill is no longer tagged for development, ARC bosses have started planning for another significant development on the track.

They have applied to rezone a 300m-long strip of land bordering the front straight of the track.

If approved, that land will be leased out and developed, with a hotel and nearly 400 residential units possible.

Ellerslie chief executive Chris Weaver says the new plan should appease unhappy residents while still giving the ARC the revenue needed to ensure the long-term viability of thoroughbred racing in Auckland.

"If we get this rezoning approved we can lease the land and retain control over what developments go ahead there," said Mr Weaver.

"That would ensure a continued large green belt in that area and development which will be as complementary as possible to our neighbours and our racing customers."

The main carpark at Ellerslie, which runs next to the Southern Motorway, has already been approved for development and is likely to host a series of commercial buildings, so by 2011 car parking on major racedays will be on the racetrack infield.

Harness racing track Alexandra Park has already embarked on similar development plans.