Health and fitness program to make women and children the big winners of Melbourne Park plan

WOMEN and children would be big winners from a plan to breathe new life into Melbourne Park. The iconic sports precinct would be turned over to the public under a Tennis Australia proposal.

A GROUNDBREAKING health and fitness program for women and children would form a key part of plans to better open Melbourne Park to the public.

Free weekly social programs for mums with kids aged under four, complimentary health checks and child minding would be offered under a Tennis Australia plan to take over management of the sports hub.

The Herald Sun on Monday revealed a $1 billion proposal by organisers of the Australian Open to breath new life into the iconic precinct in a 21 year “tenant-manager” deal.

A confidential report to the Andrews Government also reveals 500,000 free cardio sessions would be offered at Melbourne Park as a ``social set’’ program to benefit the community.

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Tennis Australia has big plans for Melbourne Park. Picture: Getty Images

“As a priority, TA will focus on delivering these facilities and programs to women, children and disadvantaged sectors of the community,’’ the report said.

“This includes the new Social Set program designed specifically to increase the participation of women (particularly new mothers) and provide a powerful platform for inclusion and social connection.’’

Tennis Australia would commit $2 million yearly to community investment under the deal, as well as at least $33 million each year in lease payments and more than $7 million in maintenance and repairs.

Tennis Australia chief operations officer Tom Larner said massive growth of the Australian Open in recent years put the sport in a “unique position’’ to “benefit the whole community.’’

The view from the concourse outside Rod Laver Arena.

“Melbourne Park truly is the world’s best sports and entertainment precinct and our proposal will help bring it to life year round,’’ he said.

``We’ve had a lot of positive feedback and are strong in our belief that this is the way to go.

“We believe there’s enormous scope to activate the whole precinct throughout the year, creating great experiences and giving the community more reasons to come and enjoy the world-class facilities.’’

He said Tennis Australia management of the precinct, including Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and Margaret Court Arena would “generate a greater return for the taxpayer.”

Roger Federer after winning the 2018 Australian Open.

Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust chief executive Brian Morris said he was “made aware’’ of Tennis Australia’s proposal by the Government.

“We will work with the government to achieve the best outcome for Victoria,’’ he said.

The two weeks the Australian Open takes over Melbourne Park each January accounts for 45percent of patrons who visit the precinct annually with a record 743,667 fans attending this year’s Grand Slam.

Premier Daniel Andrews said fresh ideas were needed to ensure Melbourne remained Australia’s sports capital.

Melbourne Park western precinct development.

“It’s always encouraging that those who run our big major events and are in charge of our big iconic precincts are not resting on their laurels,’’ he said.

“They’re always looking to improve and that’s a good thing.’’

MOPT, which reported a loss of $7.22 million in the 2016/17 financial year after depreciation, would retain oversight of the precinct on behalf of the government but turn over management rights to TA.

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