The Elevation Room, the RA members' facility at Turffontein, is to be totally renovated in a joint exercise between the RA and Phumelela.

The current bar area will be totally revamped with a new bar and more lounge furniture, while the tiered dining room is to be gutted to create more space and the furniture will be renovated. All the lights and carpets are to be replaced. A smoking section is to be built and the toilet facilities are to be incorporated into the area. The tables will all have LCD TVs fitted, while the bar/lounge areas will have five big-screen LCD TVs.

The renovation will be completed by the beginning of the Autumn Feature Race Season.

The renovation of the Elevation room is one phase of the grand plan to transform the racecourse into a luxurious venue. Renovations have already been carried out on the third floor of the grandstand, as well as to the foyer area outside the Elevation room.

Further upgrades will be done to the Marble Arch entrance (beginning in May 2007), and security is to be tightened substantially.

Other elements of the revamp being evaluated include relocating the parade ring, refurbishing existing trackside facilities and establishing a sports bar-type facility targeting a younger crowd.

Plans and design sketches will be on display in the Elevation Room from 1 February.

This revamp fits in with the RA marketing committee's desire to turn the members' area into an attractive and exclusive venue.