Albert Park adds two indoor courts through $350M redevelopment post-2026

Albert Park will receive a $350 million overhaul of its Formula 1 pit lane, with the new complex set to include seven indoor sports courts once complete.

The announcement follows an earlier report that the original timeline had slipped by two years, pushing full operation to at least 2028. The delay means the upgraded venue will not be available for the 2027 race, even though the Australian Grand Prix remains contracted to run in Melbourne until 2037.

Expanded facilities for local clubs

The rebuilt facility will replace the current five indoor courts with seven and will add improved clubrooms for groups that use the surrounding outdoor fields. These changes are intended to increase year-round access for community sport at Albert Park while the site continues to host the annual grand prix. The project also incorporates general park upgrades that the state government says will benefit residents who visit the area for recreation.

Fourteen new garages will be built along with dedicated spaces for race control, administration and media operations. The Paddock Club hospitality area, currently limited to 2000 guests, will grow to a capacity of 5000. Head contractor Icon has already started preliminary work, though major demolition is scheduled only after the 2026 event finishes.

Next steps for the site

Construction will begin once the 2026 race concludes, allowing the circuit to operate without interruption during the coming season. The government has stated that the combined racing and community elements of the project will keep the event attractive to international visitors while giving local sports users better infrastructure. Further updates on exact court booking arrangements and clubroom access will be released closer to the 2028 opening, according to the details released this week.

The Age first reported the revised schedule in March and confirmed the $350 million figure in its latest coverage of the Albert Park redevelopment.