Developer Joe Bartolo says Moonee Valley redevelopment will future-proof racetrack
Symal Group, founded by managing director Bartolo, won a circa $70m contract in June through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process to complete the civil and infrastructure works.
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The Symal works, starting after the Cox Plate on October 25, includes bulk earthworks, the full track reconstruction, upgraded underpasses, landscaping and lighting, before a May 2027 target.
Bartolo, introduced to the racing through cousin and former jockey Aaron Spiteri, praised The Valley board and administration for its 'sustainable' vision to future-proof the entire precinct.
'You often do think about all the tradition (at The Valley) and the past but you can't help but look to the future and what this is going to bring to the west of Melbourne and to racing,' Bartolo said.
'I think what they're doing is unbelievable, an amazing change for Moonee Valley and puts the club in position for future growth and the next 40-50 years.
'It's sustainable with all the other infrastructure there as well, it's a really good revenue stream to ensure The Valley is around forever … infrastructure to stand the test of time and provide forever.'
Bartolo has strong industry links through now US-based real estate agent cousin Spiteri, including dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey and friend Mark Zahra and prominent owner Rupert Legh.
Bartolo owned a share in Melbourne Cup runner-up Emissary, ironically defeated by Zahra on Gold Trip in 2022.
The current crop includes Future History, a JRA Cup winner at The Valley, Theblade and Airman.
'The best for us was Emissary, running second in the Cup was pretty exciting and I thought we had a chance of winning that, watching that day,' Bartolo laughed.
'Nice of ol' Mark on Gold Trip … we ran up the butt of Gold Trip and lost all momentum … it was such an amazing feeling to even come second, so imagine how the owners of Gold Trip felt.'
While no longer on the tools, Bartolo, who started Symal as a small landscaping business with a ute, wheelbarrow and shovel borrowed from his father in 2001, has kept close tabs on The Valley project.
'Projects of significance you always keep an eye on,' Bartolo said.
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'Always trying to understand what's happening, where they're going and what's going on, especially with an interest in racing as well.
'Sporting precincts in general is a big part of what Symal do, we understand the works required and we'll be finishing in May 2027 … the works will be completed from our part.
'The plan for us is always beating the works … we build major infrastructure throughout the country and got very tight time constraints to get projects completed, and we just don't miss those targets.
'It's very important to hit what we say we're going to hit.'
Symal, an employer of more than 1400 people, joined the Australian Stock Exchange last year.
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