Lend Lease hits a winner at Margaret Court Arena

Lend Lease has won the tender for the $180 million redevelopment of Margaret Court Arena as part of the ongoing work at Melbourne Park.

Victorian Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine told Australasian Leisure Management "Margaret Court Arena is set to undergo a major upgrade which will include the installation of an operable roof, a fully enclosed foyer and concourse area, and also cater for an additional 1,500 seats.

"This work will form stage 1 of the western precinct works with Rod Laver Arena also to benefit from new shared facilities created by the Margaret Court Arena upgrade.

"When complete the project will give Melbourne Park a third all-weather venue to complement its existing suite of fantastic sport and entertainment facilities.

"The Victorian Coalition Government was delighted with the response to the tender with many of Australia's leading construction companies making a bid.

"Lend Lease is bringing a high-quality team as well as valuable experience and understanding to the Western Precinct project. The company has a strong history of public work in Melbourne with projects such as the award winning Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre.

"Lend Lease will now step up to the challenge of delivering the Margaret Court Arena upgrade while working next to Australia's busiest entertainment venue and in the heart of the country's biggest annual sporting event, the Australian Open.

"They will now begin detailed planning for the project with architects NH Architecture and Populous. Construction is expected to begin in March next year."

The Western Precinct project is part of the $366 million first stage of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment to be completed in time for the 2015 Australian Open.

Works at the Eastern Plaza precinct of Melbourne Park continue with the Minister for Sport Hugh Delahunty recently unveiling a new underground water recycling system, riverside deck and landscaping works.

Lend Lease has also revealed that it has secured the $355 million contract for the Adelaide Oval stadium redevelopment.

6th May 2010 - MELBOURNE PARK DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY

17th February 2010 - RECORD CROWDS FOR AUSTRALIAN OPEN

27th January 2009 - REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR MELBOURNE PARK