Lend Lease has won the tender for a $180 million redevelopment of Margaret Court Arena as part of ongoing work at Melbourne Park.

They will now begin detailed planning for the project with architects NH Architecture and Populous, with construction expected to begin in March next year.

The arena is set to undergo a major upgrade which will include the installation of an operable roof, a fully enclosed foyer and concourse area, and also cater for an additional 1,500 seats.

A masterplan was announced in January 2010 by then premier John Brumby for a new Eastern Plaza will be constructed to house 21 new courts, as part of the $363 million first stage of the redevelopment. A concept video was also released by the Government.

The Western Precinct project is stage one of the $366 million first stage of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment to be completed in time for the 2015 Australian Open.

Rod Laver Arena is also to benefit from new shared facilities created by the Margaret Court Arena upgrade.

The Victorian Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine said many of Australia’s leading construction companies bid for the project.

“Lend Lease is bringing a high-quality team as well as valuable experience and understanding to the Western Precinct project. The company has a strong history of public work in Melbourne with projects such as the award winning Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre," Dr Napthine said.

Works at the Eastern Plaza precinct of Melbourne Park continue with the Minister for Sport Hugh Delahunty last week unveiling a new underground water recycling system, riverside deck and landscaping works.