Croydon Council has announced an exciting partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), that will see 32 council-owned tennis courts across 14 sites refurbished, giving residents access to top quality facilities.
The project will see £549,973.15 invested by the government and LTA Tennis Foundation as part of the LTA delivered Park Tennis Project, while Croydon is investing £54,300 after bidding for capital funding. In total, over half a million pounds is being invested to upgrade all the borough’s courts to bring them up to standard for the benefit of local communities.
The courts will have a new gate-access system to keep them secure and to deter antisocial behaviour.
The project is part of a nationwide investment by the government and LTA Tennis Foundation to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people. Over 1,500 courts have been completed through the project so far.
Players will be able to book sessions in advance. A small charge will be introduced, which will be re-invested to maintain the new courts for everyone to enjoy.
The council is working with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), which operates council leisure facilities, to ensure free tennis sessions are available each week for people of all ages and playing levels. Equipment will also be provided for these sessions so that the sport can be accessible to all.
The transformation of the borough’s tennis facilities is a key project in making Croydon a healthier and safer place to live, one of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s key priorities for the borough. The new facilities will enable more people to take up tennis, helping to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
“Through this partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association we are bringing major investment into our tennis courts which is fantastic news for residents. Tennis is a great way to enjoy sport and get some exercise while spending time with friends or family – a double boost for our health and wellbeing. I hope upgrading the courts will encourage more people to pick up a racket and enjoy a game – look out for the changes to courts near you.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with the London Borough of Croydon Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project, and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come.
“We will also be working closely with the London Borough of Croydon Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”
The tennis courts being renovated are at: Addiscombe Recreation Ground, Ashburton Park, Biggin Woods, Coulsdon Memorial Ground, Grangewood Park, Park Hill Recreation Ground, Purley Beeches, Rickman Hill Recreation Ground, Shirley Church Recreation Ground, South Norwood Lake and Grounds, South Norwood Recreation Ground, Trumble Gardens, Upper Norwood Recreation Ground and Wandle Park.
The refurbishments will begin in October and details on how to book the courts and sessions will be announced near completion. Addiscombe Recreation Ground, Ashburton Park and Biggin Woods will remain open during refurbishments so residents can continue to have access to facilities.
To register your interest in supporting GLL to deliver or participate in the community coaching programme, please email: croydonparks@GLL.ORG
