After almost 30 years in operation, Rod Laver Arena is getting a makeover.

The multi-million dollar refurbishment, part of the $700 million Melbourne Park Redevelopment, includes that addition of an eastern annex which will be become the main public entrance to the area, new food and beverage outlets that will cater for a wide variety of dining options, including outlets on the floor level providing patrons with easier access to food and drinks during shows, upgraded bathroom facilities with more toilets and increased disability access including universal access to the seating bowl.

Patrons, promoters and hirers will benefit from significant back-of-house improvements including a larger, more efficient loading bay that will allow concerts to be set up faster and increase the number of shows and increased rigging capacity.

The construction is scheduled to start in February 2016, following the Australian Open.

Rod Laver Arena will remain operational throughout the refurbishment. The upgraded areas and new extensions to the arena will be opened progressively over the four years of construction with completion expected in 2020.