TENNIS courts at a Colchester sports complex are set to undergo a renovation after funding worth tens of thousands was pledged to a revamp scheme.
Colchester Council has partnered up with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to refurbish six tarmac tennis courts at Leisure World Tennis Centre.
The project, funded by a £35,000 investment, aims to offer up to date facilities to the community under a nationwide investment scheme by the UK Government and the LTA Tennis Foundation.
The refurbished courts will have better accessibility with new gate-access technology and online booking systems.
Once the renovations are completed, the courts can be booked through the association’s website to make the process easier.
Councillor Michelle Burrows, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and heritage, is excited for the upcoming project.
She said: “With the recent, fantastic success of the first British Junior Wimbledon champion in 61 years, it’s great to be working with the LTA on improving our facilities at Leisure World Tennis Centre.
“Working with partners to improve our facilities, and access to them for the community, is really important to us. It's wonderful that, with this funding, we can update our facilities and improve accessibility for all.”
Thousands of existing courts are currently in very poor and unplayable conditions and will be brought back to life for the communities to use, instead of building new ones.
It is also hoped improving the facilities will help encourage more people to get into sports and take to the tennis courts in Colchester and across the country.
Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, added: “We are delighted to be working with Colchester Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.
“We will also be working closely with Colchester City Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open our sport to many more people.”
The Leisure World Tennis Centre is a floodlit court that is open all year round to members and available for hire.
To find out more visit colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/centres/leisure-world-tennis-centre.
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