The Government has committed $5 million to upgrades at the Manuka Doctor Tennis Arena in Parnell, with a planned roof and extension intended to bring the venue back to international standard.

Auckland Council says it has already put in $1.5 million from its Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund, which has enabled Tennis Auckland to demolish the 60-year-old Robinson Grandstand as part of the project.

Mayor Wayne Brown said the roof would give the certainty needed to attract top players and broaden how the venue is used. “Putting a roof over this means we can provide the certainty to attract the biggest names in tennis to Auckland,” he said. “It also upgrades the stadium to be more of a mixed-use facility: this will open it up to hold more games throughout the year for more people.”

Brown welcomed the Government contribution and described it as the first allocation from its Major Events and Tourism Package. “This is about the government realising it needs to invest in Auckland, given we make up for 40% of national GDP,” he said.

He also used the announcement to again argue for a “bed night levy” on visitors, saying it would reduce pressure on ratepayers.

The council release did not include a timeline for the roof work, the total project cost, or when construction would begin.