The Testing and Training Centre is expected to provide state-of-the-art equipment and support for athletes’ development. Photo: AIS.
Demolition is set to begin on a 40-year-old accommodation block to make way for a new world-class High Performance Testing and Training Centre at the AIS.
AIS Athletes’ Village has housed international superstars, Paralympians and Olympians – such as basketballer Patty Mills, wheelchair racer Louise Sauvage and swimmer Michael Klim – but preparations are now underway to break ground on a different type of support for athletes.
Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins said the accommodation no longer catered to modern athletes and that the time was right to replace it with facilities that are fit for purpose.
“This is a significant step as we begin the biggest upgrade of the AIS since it was built more than 40 years ago,” he said.
“While the demolition of the Athletes’ Village will temporarily reduce bed numbers at the Canberra campus, the three new world-class buildings will ensure our athletes have access to the best testing, training and accommodation, not only in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032, but for generations to come.”
The new Testing and Training Centre will provide state-of-the-art equipment and support for athlete development, and is one of three new facilities being built at the AIS.
It’s part of the $249.7 million rejuvenation of the sporting academy, the AIS Podium Project, funded by the Commonwealth.
Future facilities include a large indoor sports dome and a multi-level, fully accessible athlete residence.
A large indoor Sport Dome that will provide 24/7 all-weather training facilities for multiple sports. Photo: AIS.
The AIS Podium Project is the first stage in the delivery of the broader AIS Campus Masterplan.
The AIS Campus Masterplan has promised to:
- Future-proof AIS Campus facilities
- Strengthen Australia’s competitive edge in international sport
- Deliver environments that support athlete wellbeing and performance, and
- Support greater collaboration and innovation across the sport system.
Procurement of a contractor to manage the Athlete’s Village is underway, along with other early works.
“This work coincides with a new environmental chamber and an altitude living facility also coming online to ensure our athletes have access to world-class facilities on their doorstep,” Mr Perkins said.
It is expected that whoever is contracted will have to deal with asbestos, given that the village was built in the 1980s.
There are currently no plans to demolish any other existing buildings as part of the AIS Podium Project.
Demolition of the Athletes’ Village is expected to begin in June, with short- and long-stay athletes living in the AIS Residence of Champions in the interim.
AIS facilities, including the pool, playing fields and athletics track, will remain available for public booking or use during construction.
The AIS Arena and GIO Stadium will also remain open.
Access arrangements, such as parking, may change throughout the project.
