Melbourne, Victoria , 3 June 2015 | tennis.com.au

The bold new makeover of Rod Laver Arena will not only rejuvenate the external design of the iconic venue but will also ensure the patron experience at the home of the Australian Open is better than ever.

With Phase Two of the $700+ million Melbourne Park Redevelopment project about to begin, fans can look forward to a range of enhancements. These include:

• A striking new eastern annex that will become the main public entrance to the arena and provide new public facilities.
• New food and beverage outlets catering for a wide variety of dining options, including outlets on the floor level for easier access to food and drinks during shows.
• Upgraded bathroom facilities with more toilets, including a Changing Places toilet to cater for patrons with disabilities.
• Increased disability access, including universal access to the seating bowl.

Tennis Australia’s facilities director Tom Larner said, off the back of the new Margaret Court Arena, both players and spectators at the Australian Open will notice the difference. 

“The Australian Open has led the way in terms of facilities for players in the 27 years we’ve been at Melbourne Park,” he said.

“We’re five years into 12 years of building works.

“It will ensure that for many, many years to come, the facilities that the Australian Open offers are the best in the world and the players love coming to Melbourne.”

With Melbourne Park host to more than 200 events per year, patrons, promoters and hirers will also benefit from back of house improvements that allow bigger and better shows to come to Rod Laver Arena.

In Melbourne yesterday, Victoria’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren, announced the building contractors selected to tender for construction. They are Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd, Built Pty Ltd, Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Lend Lease Building Contractors Pty Ltd

 Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren at Melbourne Park. 

The contract will be awarded by October, with work scheduled to commence in February 2016, following the Australian Open.

“We’re transforming Rod Laver Arena to ensure we can continue to attract the biggest and best in sports and events in the world, which create jobs and helps keep our economy strong,” Mr Eren said.

“This refurbishment will give Victorians and our guests a better viewing experience, helping cement Melbourne’s place as the events capital of Australia and the sporting capital of the world.”

Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan is also delighted with the opportunities that will arise during the construction phase.

“This major investment in Melbourne Park will create around 1300 jobs during construction alone – a massive win for Victorian workers and the economy,” Ms Allan said.