Multi-use vision emerges for Waikato’s new racing hub

Thursday, 26 March 2026

An artist’s impression of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing's proposed events centre to be used on race days, as well as for other events.

Plans for a new horse racing development south of Hamilton are centred on creating a multi-use precinct, with retail, housing, equine services and community facilities forming a key parts of the proposal.

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s (WTR) 164ha Greenfields Project in Tamahere is being designed as more than a replacement for the region’s existing racecourses, with a focus on building a site that serves both the racing industry and the wider community, project director Steve Bramley said.

The approach, he said, reflects a shift in how large racing venues are developed.

Three of the Waikato’s horse racing clubs have joined forces, and have committed to building a community-orientated venue in Tamahere.

“Gone are the days you develop a racing precinct, and it’s just racing,” he said.

“It needs to be of value to the community, and an integrated part of the community.”

Central to that vision is a village-style hub, which could include a destination café and “eight to 10 different sorts of retail or local services”.

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing's Greenfields Project masterplan for its 164ha site in Tamahere.

The precinct is also expected to incorporate equine-focused infrastructure, such as a veterinary hospital, farrier services and space for bloodstock sales.

A large function and event centre is also planned, designed to support race meetings while also providing a venue for the public.

Bramley said feasibility work recommended a “1200sqm” space, capable of hosting “about 700 people theatre-style” or “about 500 seated at tables”.

Residential elements are also being explored, with parts of the site potentially used for residential lifestyle blocks or retirement-style options.

Bramley said keeping those options open was important as planning for a fast-track resource consent application progresses.

“If we don’t put it in now, then we can’t put it in later. So we just want maximum flexibility at this time,” he said.

The extent of commercial and residential development will depend on whether harness racing is included, with between 30ha and 45ha of land potentially available for those uses.

Bramley said a mix of activities would be critical to ensuring the precinct’s long-term success.

“More activity in one location enables a better quality of activity.”

The multi-use approach is also tied to broader changes within the racing industry, including the rationalisation of venues under the national Project Stamina plan and the merger of Waikato, Cambridge and Waipā racing clubs.

“What’s critical for the racing industry is that we’ve got a viable and sustainable overall proposition,” Bramley said.

The development is expected to take place over an eight to 10-year period, with completion targeted for the mid-2030s.

WTR is preparing to enter the fast-track consenting process, where further detail on the final mix of uses will be confirmed.

Bramley said the scale of the project could also influence surrounding growth, particularly given its location between Hamilton and Cambridge.

“A development of our scale also ends up being quite a catalyst for other development as well,” he said.

“There’s all sorts of opportunities for things to spring up around it that could be complementary to this project.”

Transport connections, including access for cyclists via the Te Awa cycle trail as well as pedestrian and vehicle links, are also being factored into the design to support the wider use of the site.

As planning continues, Bramley said the proposal would evolve, with input from neighbours and stakeholders helping to shape the final outcome.

“There's all sorts of opportunities for things to spring up around it that could be complementary to this project as well.

“It’s an eight to 10-year project… it’s going to change on the way,” he said.