The Andrews Labor Government will ensure Melbourne remains the global home of sport and entertainment, by giving Melbourne Park the best facilities in the world.

Treasurer Tim Pallas and Minister for Sport John Eren today announced $271.55 million to complete the third stage of the Melbourne Park redevelopment.

Announced as part of the Victorian Budget 2017/18, the funding will guarantee that the Australian Open stays in Melbourne until at least 2036.

Melbourne Park is the centre stage of Victoria’s world-leading sporting assets, and this investment will ensure the global spotlight continues to shine on it.

With a record 728,000 fans pouring through the gates at this year’s Australian Open Grand Slam, this next stage of development will build the facilities needed to attract even more visitors and secure more blockbuster events.

The third stage will feature a new multi-purpose 5,000-seat sunken show court and arena, central terrace with a new elevated outdoor public space, a function and media centre, broadcast studios, central kitchen, loading dock and logistics hub.

Fans will find their way around the courts easier with new and improved pathways, new scoreboards and signage. The southern entry will be realigned and the northern entry upgraded as part of the works, improving access for everyone.

The project will create 600 jobs during construction, and support thousands of jobs in our tourism and hospitality industry as more and more people flock to Victoria to see the best sporting heroes and musicians in the business.

Together with works currently underway at Melbourne Park, this brings the Labor Government’s investment to over half a billion dollars, taking the live sport, music and entertainment experience up another level.

Construction work is powering ahead on the new Rod Laver Arena eastern entry pod and world class player and artist facilities, while the newly opened Tanderrum footbridge safely ushered hundreds of thousands of tennis fans from the city to the heart of the action.

Stage 2 is set to be ready for the Australian Open 2019, and for construction of Stage 3 to begin the same year.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“This project will mean more visitors, more jobs, and even more chances to showcase to the world that Victoria has the best of everything.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Melbourne is the sporting and events capital of the world, and we’ll keep it that way.”

“We’re breathing new life into our iconic venues so we can host more events, and ensure Melbourne remains the home of sport and entertainment.”