Online tennis courts will be a great investment opportunity – Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

The Westlands Sports Center and Wolstanton Park tennis courts have been selected to receive grants from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as well as capital funding from the Borough Council.

The funding, if approved by the LTA, could allow the council to offer exciting new tennis programs in the borough as well as opportunities to work with partners to bring additional investment and revenue to the parks. the rounding.

The Council currently owns and operates 18 tennis courts based at the Westlands Sports Center, Wolstanton Park, Clough Hall Park, Silverdale Park and Bradwell Lodge.

The LTA has identified Newcastle as one of its priority areas for increasing tennis participation and the Council has worked closely with the association to identify opportunities for innovative improvements and better access to the sport for residents.

Participation in tennis activities in recent years has declined, and due to the deteriorating condition of some courts, access to tennis courts has been free with players showing up at random for matches.

In order to improve access to courts and facilitate online reservations, it is estimated that Westlands Sports Center and Wolstanton Park would benefit from the installation of a barrier access system. This would allow residents to find and book a tennis court at any time through the LTA’s online booking platform.

Capital funding is also needed to improve the courts at both sites. The LTA provided an indicative cost for the installation of the barrier access system and the improvement of the courts at a cost of £ 163,700. To finance this investment, the LTA has in principle accepted a grant of £ 133,700. An additional £ 30,000 would be allocated from the Council’s investment program.

Council head Simon Tagg said: “One of the council’s priorities is to create a healthy and active borough by ensuring that residents have access to a wide range of high quality facilities and activities. . The current renovation of the Kidsgrove sports center and the new pump runway at the Newchapel recreation area are two examples. This is a fantastic opportunity for the Council to improve the quality of recreational tennis facilities in Newcastle-under-Lyme and to develop excellent affordable programs for sport, exercise and play.

In the next steps, the LTA would commission a detailed scope of work required. The Council would then solicit bids for the project and identify a preferred contractor. A final decision can then be made as to whether or not to award the grant. If successful and the work is approved, it is expected that the improvements could be completed by spring 2022.

Cllr. Jill Waring, Cabinet Member for Recreation, Culture and Heritage, added: “This is extremely positive news and a chance to further support residents in improving their health and well-being. Sport England data shows there is latent demand for tennis in the borough if physical barriers are removed. This is an ideal opportunity to work with partners to bring more investment and income to our parks, ultimately giving local communities the chance to come together.

Along with the improved tennis facilities, a new reservation system would be introduced along with special offers and access to a discounted Jubilee2 membership.

The Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyles Department would work with the LTA to develop a comprehensive, inclusive and affordable tennis program at both venues. This program would focus on both youth and adult programs, new tennis leagues, a variety of competitive programs, a new tennis training program and inclusive “free tennis” initiatives.

Subject to the success of the new program at Westlands Sports Ground and Wolstanton Park, Council officers would then work with the LTA on a business case for the development of tennis courts in other parks.

Cabinet will consider the proposals at its next meeting on Wednesday, December 1.

Last updated on November 26, 2021