By Staff reporters
Albert Park’s Formula 1 pit lane will get a $350 million upgrade, but works will not begin until after next year’s race.
A state government announcement confirmed a report by this masthead in March that the facilities won’t be ready until at least 2028, two years behind the schedule originally agreed to in a contract with Formula 1.
A render of the new pit lane at Albert Park.
The new Albert Park facility will include seven indoor sports courts – there are currently five – and improved clubrooms for clubs using the outdoor fields.
The upgrade will include 14 garages, race control, and a race administration and media centre.
The Paddock Club, a VIP area for high-end sponsors, celebrities and other special guests, will have an expanded capacity of 5000. The current capacity of the Paddock Club is 2000 people, with the average ticket selling for more than $6000.
“The project includes park upgrades that benefit the local community and everyone who visits Albert Park,” the government said in a statement.
The new venue will house seven indoor sport courts.
The government said head contractor Icon had been appointed to deliver the project, and initial works were under way, although demolition would not begin until after the 2026 race.
The race is secure in Melbourne until 2037.
This masthead revealed in 2023 that, under a previously undisclosed provision within Victoria’s contract extension to keep the Australian Grand Prix, the state agreed to build world-class garages and new or substantially refurbished corporate hospitality facilities in time for next year’s race.
Pit lane at Albert Park during the 2024 race.Credit: AP
The state also agreed to forgo all corporate revenue generated within Paddock Club. Under an agreement previously struck between founding grand prix chairman Ron Walker and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, the Australian Grand Prix kept the revenue it raised through the club.
While refusing to confirm the pricetag, Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the upgrade was a win for the local community as well as F1 fans.
“Fans flock to Victoria from around the world for our Formula 1 Grand Prix – filling local hotels, restaurants, pubs and businesses – and we intend to keep it that way,” he said.
“This massive upgrade is a win for the local community – more space for community sport, more courts, better change rooms and park upgrades, and a sporting venue Albert Park locals can enjoy.”
Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld said the new facility would play a critical role in continuing to deliver a world-class event.
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