As the Government swings the axe on trees to expand the facilities for the Grand Prix at Albert Park, Save Albert Park has also come out swinging with this statement:
‘Cutting down trees for a commercial encroachment for a loss making event in a Public Park is wrong. The government provision of over $1 billion of Victorian’s money to support a car race in a park is wrong. The expenditure of $350 million to construct a pit building/Paddock club venue in a park is wrong.
‘Save Albert Park is calling on all those that acknowledge these wrongs to join us in a demonstration of protest at 11am on Saturday 2nd August 2025. The assembly point will be at the northern end of the pit building adjacent to the subway that goes under the road. Banners and placards welcome.’
‘Upgrade’ announced in May budget
In May, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced massive funding for a new pit building and improvements to the surrounding precinct, which will ‘deliver better facilities for Formula 1 fans and local clubs.’
According to the media release, ‘The upgrade will include 14 garages, race control, and a race administration and media centre. The world-renowned Paddock Club will have an expanded capacity of 5,000 patrons a day, offering amazing hospitality experiences and viewing spots along the main straight to see all the action.’
While the Minister and Government have not specified the project cost, the media have reported it as $350M. Tickets to the Paddock Club are touted at $6K per head.
