Renfrewshire: financing offer for the renovation of tennis courts

Renfrewshire Council has submitted a tentative bid for money from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to pay for the renovations.

The national tennis governing body is also considering whether it would be possible to revamp the courts at Johnstone.

A report to be presented at a meeting of the council’s infrastructure, lands and environment board on Wednesday says detailed studies have been carried out at Robertson Park and Brodie Park to assess what renovations are needed.

If LTA funding were secured, One Ren, which manages local sports facilities on behalf of the council, would be responsible for maintaining the courts after upgrades.

Councilor Lisa-Marie Hughes, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead for the SNP, welcomed the funding offer and said she was in “regular dialogue” with council officers.

“I also raised the issue with MP Gavin Newlands, who supported me,” she added. “Agents are currently working on the application process with LTA.

“If our candidacy is successful, the courts will be renovated.”

Councilor Bruce MacFarlane, who represents Paisley Southeast, added: “The Brodie Park tennis courts are well used by the community. However, they clearly require investment and this was something that was a key priority for me after my election.

“The pandemic has underlined how important sport can be for our mental and physical health, but we need to ensure that sporting provision is locally accessible and of a high standard to promote the use of sports facilities.

“I am therefore delighted that the detailed survey work on the Brodie Park tennis courts has now been completed and a bid is in principle being made to the Lawn Tennis Association after the necessary council approvals, which would provide much needed investment. to our courts.

“I urge the LTA to seriously consider our offer to bring this investment to our tennis courts, which would bring them back to a high standard.”