RWITC Secures Lifeline with Green Light for Project

 

By Sharan Kumar

 

Everyone needs real estate income these days—and RWITC has the land to make it work. In contrast, Bangalore Turf Club remains largely dependent on racing revenue alone, unless it can eventually expand membership by getting government approval for its own proposed clubhouse—a prospect that’s still a long way off.

 

The reality is that the lifeblood of India’s turf clubs is no longer confined to money from horse racing. Falling attendances, high entry fees, and rising costs have pushed many regulars away from the racecourse, even if their betting interest survives through private channels. For most clubs—Bangalore and Hyderabad being partial exceptions—real estate development is now essential to sustain operations and keep the sport alive.

 

As cities expand and urban congestion intensifies, land around historic racecourses has become prime real estate for commercial development. Yet that very value creates both opportunity and tension when it comes to balancing public interest and private club needs.

 

In this environment, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) offers a timely lesson in how clubs can safeguard their future through pragmatic, cooperative engagement with government authorities. Rather than adopting a confrontational stance, the RWITC chose a flexible, accommodating approach to negotiations. The result is a landmark agreement that not only extends its lease but also creates new avenues for long-term economic sustainability.

 

Under the deal with the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC), the RWITC secured renewal of its lease for 30 years, with 93 acres earmarked for racing and a substantial tract dedicated to an eco-park along the metro corridor—serving a broader public purpose. Crucially, the agreement also included a commitment from the civic body to facilitate construction of a new, modern clubhouse on 32 acres of the property.

 

This planned multi-storeyed facility, with a proposed height of 32 metres, will feature high-end amenities like squash, badminton and padel courts, restaurants, and more. The new club is envisioned as a best-in-class complex, likely to command premium memberships and generate steady revenue through rentals and events. Reportedly, the Poonawalla family has offered to fund the construction costs—a striking example of private support complementing public permissions.

 

Such developments are vital for the economic viability of racing institutions, ensuring they can continue to support the sport even if racing itself doesn't cover expenses. Notably, the public will continue to have access to 120 acres of open space within the racecourse, including the popular walking track that serves countless citizens daily. The entire project reportedly underwent thorough scrutiny and multiple stages of approvals, reinforcing its credibility and public accountability.

 

For clubs like the Bangalore Turf Club, currently negotiating their own arrangements with government authorities, this episode underscores an important principle: maintaining strong, constructive relations with government is not just desirable—it is essential. Flexibility, willingness to accommodate public interests, and strategic vision can secure not only regulatory approvals but also the long-term economic sustainability of the club. In today’s context, horse racing clubs must think beyond their traditional business models and embrace partnerships that balance civic needs with club interests if they want to thrive in the decades ahead.

 

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