AusLeisure

Fans will now experience more comfort and convenience at events following the completion of the latest stage of the Victorian Government’s near billion-dollar redevelopment of Melbourne Park.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula was at Melbourne Park this morning to formally open the new Northern Annex food and beverage facilities at Rod Laver Arena, which were enjoyed by Fleetwood Mac fans this week.

The new facilities, delivered as part of stage two of the $972 million redevelopment of the home of the Australian Open, were made possible through a $338 million investment by the State Government.

Australian Open patrons in summer will now enjoy the benefits of more shade and air-conditioned spaces.

The 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 handrails 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.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula advised: “This redevelopment was delivered on budget and ahead of time and will ensure Victoria remains the sports and major events capital of Australia.

“The improvements to this world-leading precinct will continue to come and are a key reason we have secured the Australian Open in Melbourne until at least 2036.”

Image of new Northern Annex food and beverage facilities at Rod Laver Arena

Related Articles

6th September 2019 - Ticketek extends historic Melbourne and Olympic Parks partnership for another five years

25th July 2019 - Tennis Australia to change hardcourt surface for Australian Open 

15th July 2019 - Melbourne and Olympic Parks reveals name of new function and media centre

15th April 2019 - Work underway on latest stage of Melbourne Park redevelopment

10th January 2019 - Melbourne Park ready for 2019 Australian Open

18th December 2018 - New facilities completed at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena

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