When a racing venue realised it needed to modernise to keep up with changing industry and customer demands, Chow:Hill partnered with them to identify the true potential of the business and transform it into a vibrant hub.

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Challenge

Faced with ageing infrastructure, declining patronage and diminishing commercial returns, a multi-purpose racing venue partnered with Chow:Hill to chart a bold new course for its future. Together, we developed a strategic capital upgrade plan designed to unlock new revenue streams and procure the raceway’s financial sustainability and ongoing relevance.

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Our approach

The process began with identifying “quick win” initiatives, targeted improvements that could deliver immediate returns while laying the groundwork for longer-term investment. Building on these early insights, we guided a broader transformation strategy that addressed complex operational challenges, such as co-locating industry partners, streamlining vehicle movements, enhancing infrastructure and redefining the public interface to attract new audiences.

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Outcomes

A breakthrough opportunity came by identifying surplus land adjacent to an area earmarked for residential development in the council’s district plan. Recognising this opportunity, we supported the raceway in securing a resource consent for residential subdivision, unlocking significant future capital. The capital from the eventual sale of the land will directly fund the next phase of redevelopment, enabling the venue’s financial resilience, operational growth, and continued legacy as a community and industry hub.

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