Preparations are underway to break ground on the Australian Institute of Sport's (AIS) new world class High Performance Testing and Training Centre, one of three facilities being built as part of the Australian Government funded AIS Podium Project to support athletes and sports on the road to Brisbane 2032.
The Testing and Training Centre will provide state-of-the-art equipment and support for athlete development, with a large indoor sport dome and a multi-level and fully accessible athlete residence to also be built as part of the $249.7million rejuvenation of the AIS.
To make way for the new facility, the original AIS athlete accommodation block - which has housed Australia's Olympians, Paralympians and Commonwealth Games athletes since October 1985 - will be demolished.
For more than four decades, AIS Athletes' Village has been at the centre of life on the Canberra campus, housing the likes of basketballer Patty Mills, wheelchair racer Louise Sauvage and swimmer Michael Klim.
Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the accommodation no longer caters for the modern athlete and the time is right to replace it with facilities that are fit for purpose.
"This is a significant step as we begin the biggest upgrade of the AIS since it was built more than 40 years ago," Mr Perkins said.
"While the demolition of the Athletes Village will temporarily reduce bed numbers at the Canberra campus, the three new world-class buildings will ensure our athletes have access to the best testing, training and accommodation not only in the leadup to Brisbane 2032, but for generations to come.
"This work coincides with a new environmental chamber and an altitude living facility also coming online to ensure our athletes have access to world class facilities on their doorstep.
"I would like to thank the Australian Government for its support and belief in our athletes."
The demolition of the Athletes' Village is expected to begin in June. Short and long-stay athletes will all be accommodated in the AIS Residence of Champions, with work to begin on the new multi-story and fully Para-accessible accommodation later this year.
Universal accessibility will be a key priority to support Para-athletes and Para-sports, while all buildings will meet the highest of environmental standards, use passive design strategies and allow for future adaptability.
Future AIS Podium Project milestones and other updates will be available via www.ausport.gov.au/ais-podium-project
