Melbourne, capital of  the Australian state of Victoria, will be the world’s first Grand Slam tennis venue to have three feature courts with operable roofs.

It will also have a new indoor concourse area with improved patron facilities.

NH Architecture and Populous’ new design for Melbourne Park’s Western Precinct, unveiled recently, includes a redeveloped Margaret Court Arena with an operable roof and increased capacity (up by 1,500 to 7,500 spectators).

Victoria’s Minister for Major Projects, Dr Denis Napthine, said:  “The design is focused on creating an active and welcoming space. The roof will provide greater shade and rain protection for the public, while the new foyer spaces are light, airy and inviting. New entry ways, amenities and internal connections shared with Rod Laver Arena will also make it easier for people to get around, especially during major events such as the Australian Open.”

 The Minister said the ‘pleated’ roof design complements the adjacent Rod Laver Arena while giving the new Margaret Court Arena a stand-alone identity.  “I commend the architects NH Architecture and Populous for their clever work in taking an existing open-air arena and creating a totally new facility,” he added.

 The Victorian government is making a substantial investment of 363 million AUD on redevelopment. Providing a third operable-roof arena, expected to be completed in 2015, is the last element of this development, Dr Napthine said.

The redevelopment will also add rainwater harvesting and treatment facilities, eight new indoor courts and 13 outdoor courts for elite training and general public use, changing rooms and gym facilities.

The state’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, said the upgraded Margaret Court Arena would further enhance Melbourne’s renowned suite of sporting facilities. “One of the reasons Melbourne is the sporting capital is our range of quality venues,” he added.

Delahunty said:  “The whole Melbourne Park redevelopment is about boosting the city’s capacity for sporting and entertainment events, which will help secure major events such as the Australian Open for many years to come.”