The second stage of the redevelopment of Melbourne Park has been completed two months ahead of schedule and on budget.
The massive project has been underway 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.
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.
The new facilities – delivered as part of stage 2 of the $972 million redevelopment – were made possible through a $338 million investment by the Victorian Government.
The Stage 2 works supported around 1100 full-time jobs.
Work is now well underway 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.
