Melbourne Park redevelopment
The Victorian Government has invested almost $1 billion into infrastructure upgrades to establish Melbourne and Olympic Parks as one of the best sport and entertainment precincts in the world, ensuring the Australian Open remains a Victorian major events icon until at least 2046.
The Melbourne Park Redevelopment, completed over three stages, placed a strong emphasis on the comfort of patrons, with more open space and shade, increased seating capacity, better connections to public transport and the city, and easier movement into and within the precinct.
STAGE 3
Stage 3 marked the completion of the 10-year redevelopment of Melbourne Park in August 2021. Works included a new 5,000 seat Show Court Arena, named Kia Arena, and conference and events venue CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park, two new match courts and a central logistics hub, all of which were showcased for the first time throughout the 2022 Australian Open.
Stage 3 created 600 full time jobs, including jobs for Victorians through government’s Local Jobs First Policy and overall, the 10-year project created 2,300 jobs during construction, transforming the Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct into an unbeatable sports and events precinct, delivering more than 500 events a year attracting more than 2.5 million visitors
STAGE 2
Stage 2 commenced in 2014 and included construction of Tennis HQ (providing administration facilities for Melbourne and Olympic Parks and Tennis Australia, as well as temporary media and broadcast facilities for the Australian Open), Tanderrum Bridge (providing a new primary entrance to Melbourne Park and direct pedestrian access from Flinders Street Station) and major Rod Laver Arena Refurbishments including a new primary entrance, accessible entrances to the seating bowl, modernisation of Rod Laver Arena’s retractable roof and installation of cushioned seating. Works were completed in September 2019, in time for the 2020 Australian Open.
STAGE 1
Stage 1 commenced in May 2010 and included construction of the new National Tennis Centre and upgrades to the western precinct and Margaret Court Arena. Works were completed in time for the 2015 Australian Open.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Development Victoria worked with Sport and Recreation Victoria, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust and Tennis Australia to manage the redevelopment.
For more information visit Melbourne Park Redevelopment
Additional infrastructure projects delivered within the Melbourne and Olympic Parks precinct
John Cain Arena Upgrades
In September 2018, the Victorian Government committed $126 million to the ‘Victoria: The Basketball Capital of Australia’ package’, which included $13 million to support upgrades to John Cain Arena, to ensure it remains Victoria’s premier indoor basketball venue.
John Cain Arena is home to National Basketball League team Melbourne United and also hosts matches for the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The funding has delivered facilities upgrades which:
- provide an excellent audio-visual experience for all spectators and facilitate improved home game feel, team branding and advertising opportunities;
- improve the amenity for players and broadcasters;
- ensure corporate partners and spectators are serviced by well-located food and beverage offerings, and
- more effectively use space in and around the venue for fan engagement, commercial activities and food and beverage sales.
The project reached practical completion in June 2022 and has enhanced the ability of the NBL and its clubs to attract and maximise attendances; create a contemporary ‘NBA-like’ spectator experience that engages audiences and encourages repeat attendance.
AAMI Park FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Upgrades
The Victorian Government is investing more than $25 million towards a range of upgrades further enhancing the premier rectangular sports and entertainment venue in time for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The works include upgrades to the existing stadium sports lights and video screens, player corporate, spectator and broadcast facilities and improved Wi-Fi connectivity.
AAMI Park will host six matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on 20 July 2023.
Gosch’s Paddock Oval Upgrades
Melbourne Football Club’s training oval at Gosch’s Paddock has been transformed in line with standards at other AFL clubs, with the Victorian Government joining with the AFL and Melbourne to fund the project.
The Victorian Government contributed $2 million towards the redevelopment of Melbourne Football Club’s training oval within Gosch’s Paddock. The Melbourne Football Club and AFL each invested a further $500,000 towards the project.
The project included resurfacing the oval to meet current AFL standards and increasing the dimensions of the oval, so it better replicates the length of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and width of Marvel Stadium. Lighting has also been improved and behind-goal netting and camera posts installed.
The works ensure the training oval is commensurate with a professional team and are in line with those of other clubs, allowing both the Melbourne Football Clubs AFL and AFLW programs to better train and prepare for home games.