Treasurer Tim Pallas and Minister for Sport John Eren announced $271.55 million to complete the third stage of the Melbourne Park redevelopment in a move to ensure Melbourne can claim the title as global home of sport and entertainment.
Announced as part of the Victorian Budget 2017/18, the funding will guarantee that the Australian Open stays in Melbourne until at least 2036.
The third stage will feature a new multi-purpose 5,000-seat sunken show court and arena, central terrace with a new elevated outdoor public space, a function and media centre, broadcast studios, central kitchen, loading dock and logistics hub.
“This project will mean more visitors, more jobs, and even more chances to showcase to the world that Victoria has the best of everything," Treasurer Tim Pallas said.
Fans will find their way around the courts easier with new and improved pathways, new scoreboards and signage. The southern entry will be realigned and the northern entry upgraded as part of the works, improving access for everyone.
The project will create 600 jobs during construction, and is expected to support thousands of tourism and hospitality jobs once complete.
Construction work is powering ahead on the new Rod Laver Arena eastern entry pod and world class player and artist facilities, while the newly opened Tanderrum footbridge safely ushered hundreds of thousands of tennis fans from the city to the heart of the action.
Stage 2 is set to be ready for the Australian Open 2019, and for construction of Stage 3 to begin the same year.
“We’re breathing new life into our iconic venues so we can host more events, and ensure Melbourne remains the home of sport and entertainment," Minister for Sport John Eren said.
Melbourne Park redevelopment stages
Stage 1
The $366 million first stage of the redevelopment included:
Early works
an extension of the south-west external concourse surrounding Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Show Court 2
improved connections between Rod Laver Arena, the Oval and Hisense Arena
the addition of rainwater harvesting and treatment facilities.
development of an elite tennis training facility, including eight indoor courts, 13 outdoor courts, and ancillary infrastructure incorporating change rooms, a gym and recovery facilities
construction of a 1,000 space car park
construction of an elevated deck to the east of Hisense Arena
a bridge over Olympic Boulevard, providing an above-grade connection between the Eastern Plaza and AAMI Park.
an upgrade to Margaret Court Arena, including an addition 1,500 seats, a retractable roof and a fully enclosed foyer and concourse
upgrades to Rod Laver Arena’s internal concourse, including provision of additional food and beverage facilities.
new administration facilities for Melbourne & Olympic Parks and Tennis Australia
media and broadcast facilities for the Australian Open.
a new primary pedestrian entrance to the precinct from the city
a connection with Birrarung Marr to provide direct access from Flinders Street Station.
new eastern-facing primary entrance, which will also provide food and beverage facilities and toilets
an expanded public concourse space
accessible entrances to the seating bowl
significant back-of-house improvements to ensure that Rod Laver Arena can continue to host the best events in Australia.
