-Work to begin on the $338 million second stage of the Melbourne Park redevelopment

-Expressions of Interest called to design the new Administration and Media building

-Victorian Coalition Government building for Victoria’s future

Procurement has begun for the $338 million second stage of the Melbourne Park redevelopment project, Minister for Major Projects David Hodgett announced today.Mr Hodgett said the Victorian Coalition Government was calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to design a new Administration and Media building for the sporting precinct.
 

“As the headquarters of Tennis Australia and the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, the Administration building will be the nerve centre of this busy precinct,” Mr Hodgett said.

“The building will also provide a home for the Australian Open’s media centre hosting hundreds of international journalists in Melbourne for the Grand Slam event.“Situated between the current function centre and the Jolimont rail yards, the Administration building offers an exciting opportunity to create a new northern face for Melbourne Park that will be seen by tens of thousands of rail commuters every day.

“The building will have a nominal gross floor area of 8,700 metres squared and will be functionally and structurally linked to a new Function Centre, to be delivered in future stages. This project includes the base building and fit-out design, as well as some elements of major precinct infrastructure.
 

“I am really looking forward to seeing how architects take up this opportunity to contribute to one of the finest sports and entertainment precincts in the world.”

Mr Hodgett was joined by Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty who said the second stage will ensure Melbourne Park stays a world-class venue to stage a range of events. “The Coalition Government is about to complete Stage 1, including the roof over Margaret Court Arena, and has recently announced the $338 million Stage 2 redevelopment of Melbourne Park,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This investment is part of the Coalition Government’s effort to build a better Victoria and maintain Melbourne’s competitive edge on the world stage.

“Melbourne Park is one of the busiest and highest grossing sports and entertainment precincts of its kind in the world with more than 2.1 million patrons attending 200 events annually and delivering more than $420 million in economic benefits to the state.”

Mr Delahunty said that as well as refurbishments to Rod Laver Arena and a new Administration and Media building, Stage 2 would also deliver a footbridge over Batman Avenue.Construction on Stage 2 is expected to begin after the 2015 Australian Open.

The Administration and Media Building open design EOI is available at www.tenders.vic.gov.au.

> via tenders.vic.gov.au