Demolition will begin later this month on the existing indoor sports facility at Albert Park as the Victorian Government moves ahead with a redevelopment that will create a new community sports centre designed to also function as the Formula 1 pit building during the Australian Grand Prix.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced that demolition of the current building will start on Friday 27 March, marking the first step in replacing a structure originally built in 1995 when Melbourne first hosted the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The project will deliver a new Melbourne Indoor Sports Centre designed to serve community sport throughout the year while supporting race operations during the annual Grand Prix.
“The new Melbourne Indoor Sports Centre will give the Albert Park community a bigger and better home for local sport, while delivering modern race facilities for the Australian Grand Prix,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
Plans for the new facility include seven indoor multi-purpose courts with change rooms, increasing the number of courts by two compared with the current venue. Higher ceilings will allow for a wider range of sports, and upgraded clubrooms are planned for local tenant clubs.
The venue will be managed by the State Sport Centres Trust, which oversees major sporting facilities across Albert Park, including the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and Lakeside Stadium.
During the Australian Grand Prix each year, the building will convert into the event’s pit building. The design includes 14 garages, a new race control area, and upgraded race administration and media spaces.
The redevelopment will also allow the Paddock Club to expand, with capacity for up to 5,000 patrons each day during the race weekend.
Mr Dimopoulos said the investment reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining the event’s presence in Melbourne for years to come.
“We’re investing in the future of the Australian Grand Prix so Melbourne can continue hosting this world-class event and showcasing Victoria to millions around the globe,” he said.
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix remains a central part of Victoria’s major events program. This year’s race weekend again set attendance records, with 483,934 people attending across four days.
The event is secured in Melbourne until 2037 and forms part of Victoria’s $3.3 billion major events calendar, which the state government says supports thousands of jobs while drawing international attention to the state.
Construction of the new centre will continue throughout 2026, supported by a mix of new, existing and temporary facilities to ensure the Grand Prix can continue operating ahead of the 2027 race.
Local MP Nina Taylor said the redevelopment would strengthen community sport in the area.
“Redeveloping the Albert Park Pit Building will mean important new sporting facilities being delivered that the Albert Park community can enjoy year-round.”
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