Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena to get a roof in 2019

A $50.5 million upgrade to the venue named in honour of Australian tennis legend Ken Rosewall will see it acquire a roof in 2019 as part of a redevelopment at the Ken Rosewall Arena and the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.

The project, announced today by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres, includes: the construction of a canopy roof structure over Ken Rosewall Arena and Show Court 1, upgrades to player and media facilities, additional lighting, seating and public amenities and a new sprung floor to allow for multi-sport use.

Advising that the upgrade will benefit both netball and tennis players and fans, Premier Berejiklian stated today “this upgrade will provide better facilities for netball and tennis fans and athletes, and provide opportunities for both sports to meet growing demand especially in Western Sydney.

“We know the Swifts and Giants netball teams have completely outgrown their existing facility, and a bigger and better venue is needed. This upgraded facility will have 10,000 seats, so more fans can support their team.”

The new roof over the Ken Rosewall Arena and Show Court will create an all-weather high performance environment for both sports.

Stating that the upgrade will allow tennis to attract new events and the best international talent, Tennis NSW Chief Executive Lawrence Robertson advised “the redevelopment of Ken Rosewall Arena and Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre is extremely exciting for tennis in NSW. Primarily, as it ensures the facilities here remain among the best in the country and allow us to bid for new world-class events such as the ATP Cup.

"Sydney has a long tennis history and these upgrades will go a long way to ensure we are in the best possible position to continue that tradition have the ability to host major international events in all conditions.”

Netball NSW Chief Executive Carolyn Campbell supported the announcement and said that by providing access to a purpose built facility, netball will continue to see strong growth.

Campbell added “netball is one of the top sports in NSW when it comes to participation, and is the market leader for women and young girls. Sydney requires a fit for purpose indoor venue to accommodate our professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.”

“Today’s announcement is a wonderful development, which will provide us with a much more cost-effective venue that also allows us to raise the number of people who will be able to watch our game at the elite level.”

Work on the Tennis Centre upgrade is expected to commence in February with the first stage to be completed in November 2019.

Plans for the addition of a roof to the Ken Rosewall Arena were first proposed in 2016.

Images: Artist's impression of a transformed Ken Rosewall Arena (top) and the APIA International at the venue (below).