- Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with the $271.55 million Stage 3 redevelopment of Melbourne Park, with Lendlease Building Contractors appointed to manage delivery of the major project.
The redevelopment will ensure Melbourne Park remains a world-class sport and entertainment precinct, and guarantee the Australian Open remains in Melbourne until at least 2036.
Lendlease's experienced design and construction team has a strong history managing complex sports and entertainment stadium construction programs across Australia, including the Adelaide Oval redevelopment and the recently completed Bankwest Stadium in Sydney.
Lendlease also managed the delivery of the Rod Laver Arena refurbishment and Margaret Court Arena as part of stages 1 and 2 of the Melbourne Park redevelopment.
Construction of Stage 3 is expected to create 600 full time jobs, including jobs for Victorians through the Labor Government's Local Jobs First policy, with Stage 3 works scheduled for completion before the 2023 Australian Open.
Demolition of the old function and media centre started in April, paving the way for a new centre featuring a 1,000 seat function room, pre-event spaces, interview rooms, a 200-seat auditorium and broadcast studios.
Stage 3 will also include construction of a new multi-purpose 5,000-seat sunken show court arena and a new central logistics hub.
These upgrades will not only provide a better player and spectator experience, but media broadcasters will have the perfect vantage point when it comes to beaming the latest action from some of the best major entertainment and sporting events in the world.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"This major redevelopment at the heart of Melbourne's sports and events will create thousands of jobs and bring tens of thousands of visitors to Victoria every year."
"We're making Melbourne Park an unrivalled venue for players, spectators and media broadcasters and we're proud to play our part in making this a reality."
As noted by Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings
"We're working with our project partners to deliver this major redevelopment and make the heart of our sport an entertainment precinct even better."
