Designers appointed for Melbourne Park redevelopment Stage 2
The Melbourne Park Redevelopment, which is worth more than $700 million has reached another milestone with the appointment of three design firms to deliver the project’s second stage, Minister for Major Projects David Hodgett announced today.
“Hassell has won the contract to design the new Administration and Media Building, while the refurbishment of Rod Laver Arena will be designed by Cox Architecture, and the new Batman Avenue footbridge will be designed by John Wardle Architects,” Mr Hodgett said.
“The three projects each attracted submissions from a world-class contingent of the best local and international firms.
“There was a particularly strong response to the opportunity to design the Administration and Media Building, which will become the centre point of operations across the precinct as well as the new national headquarters for Tennis Australia,” Mr Hodgett said.
Mr Hodgett said designers were also clearly excited by the chance to design the Batman Avenue Bridge, with 21 firms making submissions for this high profile addition to Melbourne’s city scape.
“Each of the three appointed firms has an extensive track record of successful projects in Australia and around the world, and I’m sure each will make a welcome contribution to the Melbourne Park Precinct,” Mr Hodgett said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Damian Drum said the second stage of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment would build on the significant success of Stage One.
“The $338 million second stage of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment will upgrade facilities and improve the amenity of the entire precinct,” Mr Drum said.
“Stage Two builds on the success of the first stage which has seen the upgrade of Margaret Court Arena, the National Tennis Centre training facility and the Edwin Flack Bridge over Olympic Boulevard.
“The Australian Open makes a vital contribution to Victoria, generating around 1,440 full time equivalent jobs and $239 million for the state’s economy each year. It is a vital part of Victoria’s unparalleled major events calendar.
Mr Drum said that major events deliver more than just great sporting moments – they promote Victoria to the world and inject a significant boost to the investment in local sports and tourism.
Source: News Release, Hon David Hodgett MP, 04 November, 2014