Newlands Park tennis courts in Glasgow have officially reopened after a £146,000 renovation, managed by the LTA, and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation through the LTA’s Park Project.
Newlands Park Community Tennis Centre celebrated the opening by hosting an open day for over 200 people from the local community on Sunday 18 June, giving them the opportunity to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.
Through the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation funded Parks Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain. Project funding will also be used to transform several other park courts across the local area, including Victoria Park, Knightswood Park, Drumchapel Park, Queens Park, Kelvingrove Park, Garrowhill Park and Maryhill Park.
The Newlands Park courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets, and a new gate system. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. Household membership is available for just £49/year or you can ‘pay and play’ at any time for £6/hr (some free slots will also be available to book each day). The LTA and Newlands Park Community Tennis Centre will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets at Glasgow City Council, said: “The Newlands Park Community Tennis Centre is another example of the success of the People Make Glasgow Communities programme, with a local organisation working with the council to manage a community asset. Working with partner organisations to access wider funding opportunities, a far superior facility will now be available to the local community with activities for people of all ability on offer.
Jamie MacDonald, Chair, Newlands Park Community Tennis Centre said: “Newlands Park’s tennis courts are almost 100 years old: well-used but were in decline until now. Friends of Newlands Park’s members have worked hard to maintain the courts while also planning for a new Community Tennis Centre. We are delighted that the park is now receiving this investment, which recognises and reflects the vision and commitment of local people. It is the key to another 100 years of accessible tennis, bringing health and socio-economic benefits to our lively and thriving park, and to the city.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see the Newlands Park tennis courts officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever. Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: “We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health. The UK Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Glasgow’s Newlands Park. These improved tennis facilities in Newlands Park will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”
