Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Rod Laver Arena plans unveiled

A modern new building to welcome Australian Open fans to Rod Laver is the centrepiece of a major redevelopment plans announced on Tuesday.

The crowded Rod Laver Arena
The Victorian Government has released plans for the first major redevelopment of Rod Laver Arena. (AAP)

The Victorian Government has released plans for the first major redevelopment of Rod Laver Arena since its opening in 1988.

A new eastern building will serve as the main entry point to the Australian Open-hosting venue.

The Melbourne Park venue's major refit will include a new loading bay to increase access and allow for bigger shows and concerts to be staged.

New public amenities, including food and beverage outlets and toilets will also be added, along with an eight-storey building to house staff and media.

Tennis Australia's facilities director Tom Larner said, off the back of the new Margaret Court Arena, both players and spectators at the year's first grand slam would see the difference.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"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."

Construction will begin in February 2016, following next year's grand slam, with Rod Laver Arena to remain open until the completion of works in 2020.

Overall, more than $700 million is being spent on the multi-year redevelopment of the Melbourne Park precinct, which includes a new pedestrian bridge linking Melbourne Park and Birrarung Marr.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world