MELBOURNE: The government of the state of Victoria has rejected an ambitious A$760 million plan by Tennis Australia to take over the controlling rights in order to revamp Melbourne Park, Canberra Times reports.
Melbourne Park is renowned for hosting the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of tennis every year. Earlier this week, it was reported that Tennis Australia had approached the government with a proposal to assume management of the precinct including Rod Laver, HiSense and Margaret Court arenas through a 21-year lease.
The country’s governing body of tennis promised to make it a lively, entertainment hub throughout the year when no sporting events are taking place. This included building an outdoor cinema, new retail outlets and riverside restaurants with a view of the Yarra.
But the government confirmed it had no intention of changing the current management arrangement in a letter addressed to Tennis Australia’s chief executive Craig Tiley this week.
“If the government was of the disposition to open the precinct to independent management, it is likely the government would run an open, global tender in the interests of securing the best commercial arrangements for the Victorian community,” John Eren, the Sports Minister was quoted as having said.
He added that while there was “significant opportunity for additional site activation” and facility improvements during the Australian Open and all year round, this could be done under the existing governance model.
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