Leisure World tennis courts in Colchester have now reopened after renovations managed by the LTA and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation. The renovations took place as part of the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, with millions going towards transforming over 2000 courts.
Park tennis courts in Colchester have been officially reopened after a £35,000 renovation, managed by the LTA, and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation. Tennis courts at Leisure World Tennis Centre in Shrub End, which are among those to have benefited from this investment are now open to the public to book.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform the courts, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including new painting, new secure fencing and a new gate system linked to the LTAs online booking platform. 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.
The new booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. Courts can be hired for £10.45 for adults and £8.45 for juniors, or you can join as an annual tennis member for £45 for adults and £35 for junior with no additional fees to book courts. The small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.
The LTA and Colchester City Council will also work together to set up new free park tennis sessions providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts at Leisure World Tennis Centre 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 Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Colchester.
“These improved tennis facilities at Leisure World Tennis Centre will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”
Pictured above, L to R: Cllr Michelle Burrows and Juliet O’Mahony from Essex Tennis on one of the refurbished courts
Page last reviewed: 25 August 2023