Kooyong's spiritual home unveils Centenary Master Plan, includes 'world-class facilities'
- Christian Montegan
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The renowned Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club has announced a bold landmark development in a bid to create a sustainable venue for the next century.
With a strong vision to grow the precinct, the Club has acquired the Vision Australia site at 454 Glenferrie Road, opposite the Club.
The extra land will help create 10 new hard courts, adaptable for tennis and netball, a new wellness centre, padel courts, and indoor and outdoor pickleball facilities.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to future-proof Kooyong as the spiritual home of tennis and a venue for the community to enjoy sport, music, and entertainment," said Steve Wood, President of Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
"To secure land of this size, directly adjacent to Kooyong, is rare. To bring it back a century later, as we commence the centenary celebrations of our stadium, is extraordinary.
"Kooyong has always been more than a venue -it's been Australia's stage to the world, where we've hosted legendary Davis Cup battles and witnessed sporting greatness unfold.
"As we embark on this exciting new chapter, the Master Plan ensures Kooyong will once again host the very best – on the court and on the stage."
Ian Robson, Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club CEO, added: "The great definition of legacy is to plant the seeds of trees that you'll never know the shade of. That's what Norman Brooks did with the development of Kooyong 100 years ago and what we hope to achieve with this Centenary Master Plan.
"If we have an opportunity to re-contemporise, to rejuvenate, for Kooyong to have its contemporary place as the heartbeat of Australian tennis - that's something that is so powerful, for generations to come."
Former Wimbledon champion and Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club member Pat Cash shared his optimism.
"As the spiritual home of Australian tennis, Kooyong has played an unrivalled role in shaping the game. It holds a special place in my heart, and seeing this plan fills me with confidence," he said.
"This plan not only celebrates that legacy, it creates new pathways for the champions of the future."
The investment also helps pave the way for live entertainment benefits.
"Kooyong holds a unique place in Melbourne's and Australia’s live music history, having hosted some of the greatest performers of all time," said music promoter Matt Gudinski.
"Bringing it back as an all-weather venue will help fill a critical gap in our city’s event infrastructure and ensure Melbourne continues to lead the nation in live music and cultural experiences, while honouring a venue that means so much to artists and audiences alike."
According to the Club's statement, the 90-day due diligence period for the purchase of 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong, will conclude on December 17. During the 24-month settlement period, the Club will undertake detailed design work, submit planning applications, and secure necessary permits.
The legendary Kooyong Classic returns to the Australian summer of tennis in 2026 – 13th-15th January at the spiritual home of Australian tennis. The big names are coming – Rune, Musetti, Bublik, Khachanov, Berrettini and more.
For all ticket and corporate hospitality enquiries head to www.kooyongclassic.com.au
