The BTC members are learnt to be upset at the terms fixed by the Public Works Department for retaining the club premises.
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
Amid the process of shifting of the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) from the city to Kunigal Stud Farm, about 60 km from here, Club members on Friday sought certain modifications to terms of relocation. Changes have been sought by the members on the extent of land to be retained by the BTC in Bengaluru, rent payable on the land and the tenure of lease. Resolutions in this regard were passed.
In February 2026, the State Cabinet decided to allot 110 acres in the Kunigal Stud Farm, and set a two-year deadline from the date of handing over of the land to the Club to move out of Bengaluru. It also decided to provide four acres in the existing premises where the club house – a heritage structure – is located to the BTC. The BTC, however, is seeking about six acres of land on the current premises and many members have disagreed with the land offered as too small.
Meeting on Friday
The BTC convened an Extraordinary General Body meeting on Friday to discuss the issues related to relocation of the race course to Kunigal Stud Farm where a new race course has to be laid. An earlier EGM in November 2025, had agreed for relocation of the race course.
The office-bearers of the BTC, who met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently, had been asked to meet him again after the EGM based on which further discussions could take place.
“On big race days, we can expect footfall of up to 10,000 people. In such a scenario, the available space may be too small. Many members feel that in lieu of over 60 acres being let go to the government, the club could get at least six acres,” said a member aware of the developments.
Higher rent
The other sticky issue in the relocation has been the rent that the government has proposed to levy on the club on the area that it will get to retain. According to sources, the government has proposed a levy of 2.5 % of the guidance value of the land to be paid as rent. This is expected to cost the club about ₹15 crore annually. “Besides, the BTC will have to pay rentals for the land that it gets in Kunigal. We are seeking the rent to be calculated at the rate of 0.10 %,” sources said.
Meanwhile, the BTC members are learnt to be upset at the terms fixed by the Public Works Department for retaining the club premises. A member pointed out that while the government has offered the land at Kunigal for a 29-year-lease that can be renewed for another 29 years, the conditions for the club premises have been fixed for five years. “The window is too short. Club lease period can also be made 29 years extendable by another 29 years,” the source said.
Published – July 10, 2026 10:46 pm IST
