Construction of the $26.7million Monash Tennis Centre in the Glen Waverley Sports Hub is about to start with Monash Council awarding the construction tender to Commercial Industrial Construction Group (CICG).
It is expected that construction works will get underway this month, and that the centre will be completed and ready for play in early-2024.
In a joint partnership with Monash Council, the Andrews Labor Government is investing $21 million in the new tennis and golf precinct to keep local sports clubs thriving as it builds North East Link.
When completed, the facility will feature a regional level tennis facility with 18 courts, including two showcourts, golf practice facilities, public open space improvements, car parking, a pavilion and cafe and supporting infrastructure.
The first stage of construction, the upgrade of the intersection at Jells Road and Waverley Road, is already underway. The intersection upgrade is to cater for the safe movement and operation of increased traffic as a result of the sports hub, especially during peak periods.
Monash Mayor Stuart James said he was delighted that the project had progressed to the construction stage.
"After nearly two years in the planning, consultation and development phase, it's extremely exciting to see our vision on the verge of taking a more physical shape," Cr James said.
"Tennis is extremely popular in Monash and has the highest participation rate of any organised sport in the area. When finished, the Glen Waverley Sports Hub project will be a huge addition to what is a thriving sports and recreation precinct.
"The project is also an outstanding example of successful partnerships. Partnerships between Council and the Victorian Government, through the North East Link Program; with Tennis Victoria and other sporting groups and stakeholders; and, most importantly, with the local community."
The tennis centre will be the new home for tournaments replacing the existing tennis centre in Boroondara, which is located on land needed for a crucial interchange to connect the North East Link to an upgraded Eastern Freeway.
Member for Mount Waverley Matt Fregon said it was exciting that construction was getting underway on the new tennis centre.
"This continues the Government's record investment in upgrading local sports facilities," he said. "In addition to the Monash Tennis Centre we're delivering major upgrades at 19 sports grounds to support football, cricket, soccer clubs as we build North East Link.
"I can't wait to see this state-of-the-art tennis facility take shape. With 18 courts and a new multi-sport pavilion it will deliver huge benefits for the local community."
Adam Crameri, CEO of Tennis Victoria, was also delighted at the project's progress.
"We're pleased that, following consultation and planning with the Andrews Government through the North East Link Project and City of Monash, construction is commencing later this month," he said.
"The facility is a significant development for the sport in the South East Metropolitan corridor and Tennis Victoria looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the City of Monash to ensure that we create a safe, inclusive and thriving tennis environment.
"Tennis participation has continued to grow and the Glen Waverley Sports Hub will provide a fantastic facility to cater for this demand, locally and broader."
Glen Waverley Golf Club will join Glenvale Tennis Club as co-users of the pavilion and upgraded facilities in the Glen Waverley Sports Hub, making them important partners in Council's vision for a thriving multi-sport precinct.
