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New trails confirmed for Caulfield

Ambitious plans for the future transformation of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve envisage the provision of new bike trail around and within the vast reserve.

There will be a trail around the perimeter of the reserve and another shared path around the racecourse.

The inner circuit would be connected to other internal roads so that loops could be formed to enable operation of a criterium circuit for bike races.

The ideas have come forward as part of a two year review of the future of the Racecourse Reserve.

Once the preserve of horses, it will now be transformed so that a range of community facilities can be incorporated in to the precinct over the next 15 years.

The concepts have been included in the land management plan for the future of the Reserve.

The plan says improving walking and cycling access to, from and within the Reserve will be a critical measure of success.

"Along with new internal paths and entry points, the Reserve has the opportunity to contribute to the expansion of the local bicycle and pedestrian networks, connecting to existing routes and including supporting infrastructure such as seating, water fountains and bicycle storage.

"Improved integration with Caulfield Station transport interchange as described above, will play an important role in establishing neighbourhood connectivity.

"A new path network will extend throughout the Reserve to facilitate movement to key destinations such as playgrounds and sporting areas. Where possible paths will logically extend the adjoining street network.

"Cyclist access into the centre of the Reserve will be improved with new tunnels from Neerim Road and Queens Road as well as part of upgrades to existing tunnels.

The plan says a shared trail extending around the full perimeter of the Reserve would provide a unique public asset for joggers, cyclists and walkers.

The trail would activate the perimeter of the Reserve, be accessible at all times and, delivered in partnership, could provide a logical link between Glen Huntly and Caulfield Stations and connect to the nearby Djerring Trail and other future cycling networks.

An internal circuit provides a protected and continuous path around the centre Reserve area.

The plan says the design of this circuit can include a number of surfaces to meet the needs of walkers, joggers and cyclists, including event cycling such as a criterium track.

Smaller loops of the criterium can be used by school groups or cycling education programs.

"Positioned between two metro stations, two metro lines and two activity centres, the Reserve has the potential to provide a logical link to local active transport networks, the plan says.

"The Reserve’s proximity to Caulfield Station is an opportunity to support multi-modal travel through car and bicycle parking close to the station.

Integrating vehicle drop-off areas will also support this trend away from private vehicle ownership.

Click here to read the plan.

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