THE final piece of the Domain Tennis Centre redevelopment was put in place yesterday with a $1.2 million injection from the Gillard Labor Government. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese yesterday announced the funding at the home of the Moorilla International tennis tournament.

With stage two of the upgrades in progress – which will increase capacity to 2500 and provide more comfortable public seating – the Federal Government boost will complete the process in time for the 2011 tournament. The project is included in the budget through the Infrastructure Employment Projects program. The money will be used to complete the centre’s fit-out, which will bring it in line with some of the best boutique stadiums in the world. “I was told the time frame the Lord Mayor [Rob Valentine] has been asking for was to make sure it was completed for the January tournament next year,” Mr Albanese said. “This funding will ensure that happens.”

Moorilla International tournament director Michael Roberts welcomed the government announcement. Mr Roberts said the funding not only secures the future of Hobart’s event, but also now provides the state with significant ammunition to host Fed and Davis Cup ties.

“This is the final piece of the puzzle. The Moorilla Hobart International is here to stay for a number of years now and we have got a great facility, one of the best in the world.” Mr Roberts said. `This will bring it into line with other world-class facilities. “The spectators will get the same experience they get going to any facility around Australia that hosts international tennis. “That’s what we have been struggling with in the past.”