The completion of the new Northern Annex food and beverage facilities at Rod Laver Arena marks the end of stage 2 works of the $972 million redevelopment of the home of the Australian Open –made possible through a $338 million investment by the Victorian Government.
Australian Open patrons in summer will enjoy the benefits of more shade and air-conditioned spaces.
The Stage 2 works supported around 1,100 full-time jobs and was completed on budget and two months ahead of time – all while more than 1.8 million people attended 180-plus events at the arena.
The massive project has been under way since 2014 and included construction of Tanderrum Bridge to provide a new primary entrance to Melbourne Park and a link to Birrarung Marr, modernisation of Rod Laver Arena’s retractable roof and installation of cushioned seating.
Victorians of all ages and abilities will be able to access and enjoy events at Rod Laver Arena thanks to a new Changing Places accessible facility, ensuring people with high-support needs and their carers have a safe and easy-to-use facility during events.
Ramp access to the Rod Laver Arena seating bowl, a new Disability Discrimination Act-compliant lift and hand rails on all stairs within the venue have been delivered as part of Stage 2 of the redevelopment.
Tennis HQ was also built, providing administration facilities for Melbourne and Olympic Parks and Tennis Australia, as well as temporary media and broadcast facilities for the Australian Open.
Work is well under way on the $271 million third and final stage of the Melbourne Park project, with the old function and media centre demolished earlier this year.
Stage 3 is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023 Australian Open and will provide a new multi-purpose sunken show court arena plus a function and media centre. The new centre will be named Centrepiece and feature a 1,000-seat function room, pre-event spaces, interview rooms, an auditorium and broadcast studios.
The Melbourne Park redevelopment is one of more than 135 major projects that have set minimum Victorian content requirements through the Victorian Government’s Local Jobs First program, supporting 35,000 jobs.