Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club buys Vision Australia HQ to expand
The Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club has quietly acquired the Vision Australia headquarters, across the road from its east boundary, with plans to expand.
The two level office on 1.64 hectares at 446-456 Glenferrie Road is speculated to be costing just over $50 million.
Settlement is scheduled in two years.
“Vision Australia and the blind and low vision community have had a connection to the location for close to 100 years, making the decision to sell a bittersweet one,” acting chief executive officer, Justine Heath, said.
“The offer we received from the Kooyong Tennis Club was compelling and following extensive discussions at the Board and Executive level, we have decided the sale of the Kooyong is the right decision for Vision Australia and the community we serve,” she added.
“We can’t ignore that workplace practices and our operational model means remote working has become much more prevalent and that our frontline staff are spending more time providing services to clients in their homes, workplaces and other locations, leaving our Kooyong office underutilised,” according to the executive.
“As an organisation, we have been reviewing our entire property strategy to ensure our assets are well utilised in serving our mission.
“The Kooyong sale proceeds will support our extensive service footprint and will provide opportunities to enhance other Vision Australia facilities to benefit our clients”.
A replacement headquarters will now be sought.
“Our focus is to find a location central to Melbourne that will meet the needs of our clients and staff,” Ms Health said.
“We’re placing a high priority on amenities such as public transport links and a building that is accessible and welcoming to people who are blind or have low vision,” she added.
Tennis club grows
Established in 1892 and controlling 489 Glenferrie Road since 1920 – the facility’s main stadium was completed in 1927.
It housed the Australian Open until 1987.
The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Elton John have also performed there.
With the deal for 446-456 Glenferrie Rd – a site the club once controlled – the Kooyong facility will spread 7.93ha.
The office will make way for 10 hard courts, a wellness centre, padel and pickleball facilities and infrastructure adaptable for tennis and netball.
The main stadium is expected to be enclosed.
“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.” Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club president, Steve Wood, said.
“To secure land of this size, directly adjacent to Kooyong, is rare,” he added.
“To bring it back a century later, a we commence the centenary celebrations of our stadium, is extraordinary,” according to the executive.
“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.”
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