Kooyong scrap development plans after just two months: 'No longer feasible'

The Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club have been dealt a major blow after failing to meet the deadline to finalise the purchase of Vision Australia's site.

In October, Kooyong announced an exciting plan to redevelop the spiritual home of tennis by investing in "world-class facilities" and expanding the site to include 454 Glenferrie Road, opposite the Club.

Ian Robson, Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club CEO, said at the time: "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."

HEAD has partnered with the Kooyong Classic for 2026. HEAD will be on-site with all their latest products, including the launch of the new Revolt Pro 5.0. Visit the HEAD tents at the Kooyong Classic from 13-15th January to do a fit test on the new Revolt Pros.

However, in a statement released by Vision Australia, they confirmed that Kooyong has ditched the bold move.

"Vision Australia can confirm the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club has advised it will not proceed with its plans to purchase our Kooyong head office location," it read.

"Under the sale agreement between the two parties, Kooyong Lawn Tennis had until 17 December to finalise purchase or advise Vision Australia that it would not be proceeding.  

"Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club have indicated their major growth plans involving the Kooyong precinct re-development are no longer feasible or viable.  

"Vision Australia will continue to operate as normal from the Kooyong location, and we continue to welcome clients to the site.  

"The Kooyong site will remain a significant asset in Vision Australia’s operations and continue to serve as both the organisation’s headquarters and hub for Melbourne’s blind and low vision community.  

"Vision Australia retains a strong relationship with the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, and we look forward to remaining part of the Kooyong community together."

The Kooyong Classic returns to the spiritual home of Australian tennis from January 13-15, 2026.

Each year, the Kooyong Classic features the world’s best players in their final preparation for the Australian Open. 

The 2026 event will feature Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Nick Kyrgios, Karen Khachanov, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz, Marin Čilić and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside Donna Vekić and a special guest appearance Daniela Hantuchová. More to be announced in coming weeks.

Tickets on sale now through Ticketek /www.kooyongclassic.com.au

Hospitality packages can be viewed on the Kooyong Classic website and purchased by contacting info@kooyongclassic.com.au.