- Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
Major demolition work is underway as part of Stage 3 of the Andrews Labor Government’s redevelopment of Melbourne Park, the home of the Australian Open.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula joined Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings today to inspect demolition works ahead of the construction of a new function and media centre.
The Labor Government has invested $972 million upgrading Melbourne Park to ensure it remains a world-class sport and entertainment precinct, guaranteeing that the Australian Open remains in Melbourne until at least 2036.
The new function and media centre features pre-event spaces, interview rooms, a 200-seat auditorium and broadcast studios.
The $271.5 million Stage 3 redevelopment will also include construction of a new multi-purpose 5,000-seat sunken show court arena and a central logistics hub.
These upgrades will not only provide a better player and spectator experience, they will also give local and international media the perfect vantage point for the Australian Open, showcasing Melbourne to the world.
The redevelopment is one of more than 100 major projects boosting local industry through the Labor Government’s Local Jobs First policy, creating tens-of-thousands of Victorian jobs.
Melbourne Park and the surrounding Sports Precinct are a key component of the Richmond to Docklands corridor, combining some of Melbourne’s most attractive river and parklands with the best in sports, entertainment, arts and cultural venues.
Melbourne and Olympic Parks deliver more than 600 events throughout the year, attracting 2.5 million visitors.
The Australian Open alone creates more than 1000 jobs every year and injects more than $280 million into the Victorian economy.
Works on Stage 3 are scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023 Australian Open.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Melbourne is the sporting and events capital of Australia and we maintain that title by continuing to invest in the best facilities, venues and infrastructure with projects like the Melbourne Park redevelopment.”
“We’re getting on with making the home of sport and entertainment even better and by doing so we’re creating thousands of jobs and bringing tens of thousands of visitors right here to Victoria.”
As noted by Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings
“Melbourne Park is one of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment precincts and this project will ensure it stays that way.”
