_WESTERN PRECINCT PLANS, MELBOURNE PARK

Following an exciting two weeks of tennis, the Australian Open came to an end with an endurance contest between Nadal and Djokovic resulting in the longest finals match.

Record-breaking crowds turned out for the two week event this year at Melbourne Park, with the attendance figures for Saturday 21 January 2012 being the biggest recorded at a grand slam event anywhere in the world.

It is welcome news therefore, that the latest plans unveiled for the Western Precinct at Melbourne Park will improve capacity at Margret Court Arena by 1,500, which brings the total number of seats to 7,500 as stated by urbanalyst.com.

Melbourne will be the world’s first Grand Slam tennis venue to have three feature courts with operable roofs. The new design for Melbourne Park’s Western Precinct has been created by NH Architecture and sports stadium specialists, Populous.

Additional works to improve the Western Precinct include a new indoor concourse area with greater shade and rain protection. Excellent views of the city will be provided by glazing around the perimeter of Margaret Court Arena and connections between Margaret Court Arena and Rod Laver Arena will be improved as part of the project.

The works, once completed will improve both the amenity and capacity for major sporting events such as the Australian Open.

The Western Precinct is due to be completed in 2015.

Enquires Laura O’Higgins (lao@colliepl.com.au)