Blackpool Tennis funding in pipeline

Blackpool Council’s tennis courts are to benefit from improvement funding from the LTA and the Government.

Parks that have been identified as locations for the investment which will see physical and operational improvements, as well as an extension of activities on offer, include Stanley Park, Cavendish Road, Claremont Community and Anchorsholme Park. Stanley Park will see the most significant investment, with four of its hard standing courts being completely refurbished and brought back into use.

Blackpool Council has been working closely with the LTA and other organisations over the last four years through the council led Tennis Development Group to explore opportunities for the town’s facilities and tennis provision.

Through its Park Investment Delivery programme the LTA along with the Government are now jointly investing over £30m to refurbish tennis courts across Britain.

LTA insight shows that nationally nearly three quarters of park tennis players report that they would be keen to play more often, if barriers around court quality, booking journey and activities were addressed.

Although the exact funding figures for the improvements to Blackpool’s tennis courts provision have yet to be confirmed in detail, the two organisations are now close to finalising the costs and a delivery plan of actions, with work potentially starting in Blackpool in spring

The investment in the town, which addresses local needs but mirrors national goals, will see Blackpool’s public park tennis courts improved to increase participation, attract a new generation to the sport, open up tennis to people of all backgrounds, benefit local communities and support health and wellbeing outcomes for both children and adults. It will also look to generate a level of income which can contribute to ensuring self-sustainability and future reinvestment in the town’s facilities and tennis offer.

Blackpool Tennis – key improvement delivery proposals and goals

·        Full refurbishment of some courts and general maintenance such as fencing, repainting and cleaning

• Appointment of a coaching provider. Blackpool Council will remain responsible for strategic management and tennis price setting but will be looking to appoint a coaching provider who will be responsible for developing, managing and driving a coaching programme to reach diverse individuals and communities such as local schools/community groups, families, local tennis players and people with disabilities and additional needs.

·        Free tennis, coaching and equipment provision at selected times being explored across the park network to ensure tennis remains accessible and affordable to all residents

·        Introducing an affordable court charging model at selected sites to generate a level of income to contribute to self-sustainability and long term reinvestment in park tennis courts

·        Inclusion in Fylde Local Tennis League. For those interested in competitions – Blackpool’s sites will be joining the Fylde Local Tennis League. This is a mixed adult box league for people interested in playing competitive matches at their local park courts

·        The council will retain management of bookings in house supported by the LTA’s specialist Clubspark booking technology to enable local residents to easily book courts and activities online

·        Installation of Lite Gates to monitor demand and usage, making it easier for players to get on the courts through a modern, digital system to book and access the courts, helping drive participation with an organised system that helps guarantee a slot to play.

Studies have shown that tennis can have a huge array of health benefits, from full body workouts and increasing balance and flexibility, to supporting a healthy heart, a game of tennis is great for keeping your body healthy and strong. Other benefits of tennis include promoting social and cognitive skills from the game’s socialisation aspects.

Active Blackpool hope that these new tennis courts will increase the town’s participation in the sport, bringing people with all levels of experience onto the new courts.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for parks said: “I am delighted that funding is in the pipeline and final details will be confirmed soon so that we can get working on this fantastic project to improve our tennis facilities and attract more people to use them.

“It will be great to see more people from different communities and age groups getting involved in tennis, having fun as well as getting out and about. Park tennis courts are particularly important in providing affordable, engaging and accessible opportunities.

“The LTA is working with us very closely and has provided us with valuable specialist insight into developing a programme with our team that has been successfully adopted by local authorities of a similar size but is Blackpool specific.

“While we still offer tennis provision, we look forward to delivering better opportunities to individuals and diverse communities to get more involved with tennis activities and coaching in the future.”

Cllr Jo Farrell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, and Community Health and Wellbeing said “Tennis is a fantastic sport, with a great range of health and wellbeing benefits. I’m thrilled that more people from Blackpool communities will be able to take part in the sport in safe, purpose built environments I’m looking forward to seeing the courts open and watching the sport grow across Blackpool. “