In the 2015 Australian Open has given with it the opening of a new addition to Melbourne’s sports precinct, the Margaret Court Arena designed by NH Architecture and Populous. Major Projects Victoria had commissioned joint venture architects NH Architecture and Populous to redevelop the Western Precinct of the Melbourne Park sporting facilities, the first stage of the extensive Melbourne Park Redevelopment, which is to be completed in time for the 2015 Australian Open. The works include a major upgrade of Margaret Court Arena including the installation of a new façade, a retractable roof, and fully enclosed foyer and concourse area, as well as additional seating to increase the crowd capacity by 1,500 to accommodate 7,500. A new connection will be built to link Margaret Court Arena with the Rod Laver Arena and there will be a refurbishment of the amenities supporting the Rod Laver Arena including new shared facilities. “The project incorporates major remedial works and upgrades to service and back of house facilities, to the public concourse, the concourse undercroft, and adjacent public landscape areas. The facilities must meet current best practices for ESD and the aim is to achieve a LEED Gold rating at the completion of this initial stage. The brief is to create a new significant and innovative multipurpose sports venue and this extensive transformation of Melbourne Park will ensure this major sports and events precinct remains competitive on an international level and included amongst the top facilities of its kind in the world from the perspective of both patrons and players. ” Source by NH Architecture. Location: Melbourne Park, Australia Architect:NH Architecture Partners:Populous Value: $180m Year: 2015 Client: Major Projects Victoria Images: by NH Architecture and Populous
