Demolition works have started at Memorial Drive as part of Stage Two of the venue's major redevelopment that's creating 85 full time jobs during construction.
The Marshall Liberal Government announced $44 million in the 2020-21 State Budget to continue transforming the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre into a world class sporting venue.
This week construction workers have started pulling down the North Stand and site preparation for the new East Stand will begin next week.
"Our investment in Memorial Drive is a game-changer for our state," Premier Steven Marshall said.
"Investing in this precinct is positioning South Australia perfectly to be able to attract and host more world-class tennis events.
"Tennis events over the next decade are going to drive jobs, vibrancy in our city and will inspire the next generation of South Australian tennis enthusiasts to play and train right here at home – and we couldn't be more excited."
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard, said it was exciting to see works getting underway just a few months after the funding was secured.
"Stage Two will create a world class venue that can accommodate a range of sporting and entertainment events," Minister Wingard said.
"The project includes two new spectator stands to the east and north of centre court with new seating with great sightlines, food and beverage facilities and enhanced amenity.
"We were able to hold the hugely successful A Day at the Drive event and attract the calibre of players we did because of our investment in the venue – starting with the $10 million roof during Stage One."
Member for Adelaide and Minister for Child Protection, Rachel Sanderson, welcomed the multi-million upgrade.
"Our $44 million injection into upgrading Memorial Drive is not only creating vital construction jobs it's also adding vibrancy to our Riverbank precinct," said Minister Sanderson.
"Once complete, there's no doubt this state-of-the-art facility will entice world-class events and players to Adelaide, giving our city and our pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and small businesses a huge boost from local, interstate and eventually international visitors."
The Stage Two redevelopment is expected to be event ready for the Adelaide International in January 2022, with project completion expected in mid-2022.
