THE site of a prospective replacement for Sandown Raceway at nearby Pakenham has returned to the forefront, with the local Cardinia Shire Council mulling options for the block that has been earmarked for motorsport development for over two decades.
As reported in the Pakenham Gazette, the 130-hectare block at Key Lane, initially purchased by the Council in 2004 and rezoned as a “Special Use Zone”, has been the subject of at least four known proposals to date, having been open to two separate expressions of interest processes.
The most recent proposal for the site was knocked back this week, with Strategic Policy Advice Victoria’s bid for a motocross park across two of the block’s three lots dismissed.
The council noted risks associated with the proposal included a lack of a business case, funding sources and the full identity of the proponent.
Complicating matters somewhat for any motorsport development at the site, the block is located only 1.2km from the nearest houses, albeit on the other side of the busy Princes Freeway.
Other pressure on the venue comes in the form of the ever-expanding industrial use of the area, which in recent years has grown to cover the land opposite the earmarked motorsport development.
The report in the Gazette notes that some factions within the council would prefer for the land to be rezoned for industrial development.
The most significant proposal for the block to date came from Podium 1 in a deal that dates to May 2018 for the Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park.
Significant work was carried out on the project, including extensive sound and environmental studies, with track design plans carried out by Apex Circuit Design, whose local credits include the changes to Sydney Motorsport Park and Hampton Downs.
The company also developed plans on behalf of CAMS (now Motorsport Australia) for one iteration of a circuit at Avalon, dating back to 2009, while it also mapped out a proposed Supercars street race in Rockhampton.
The venue was to feature a 3.6km race circuit, a 900m kart track, a driver experience centre, a shooting club, a 140-bed four-star hotel, and scope for commercial development.
It is noted that a $300,000 deposit was paid, and in 2020, the council issued a permit for the opening stage of the venue’s construction.
In 2021, however, the sale was rescinded, with the matter landing in the Supreme Court, which led to ongoing mediation.
While the planned FIA Grade 2 Circuit has fallen by the wayside, grassroots motorsport is still held on smaller blocks at the site, with the Koo Wee Rup and District Motorcycle Club looking to lock in a long-term lease on its lot.
Additionally, the Pakenham Auto Club is powering ahead with development of its club grounds, which cater to motorkhanas, khanacross and ultimately autocross on a dedicated track, after in 2019 locking in a 20-year lease, with an option for a further 20 years.
The club is highly active in providing training programs for juniors entering motorsport.