- Eight tennis courts in three parks across Newham officially reopened after renovations
- Newham’s parks receive a funding boost of over £153,000 to refurbish tennis courts
- Formal reopening attended by Cllr James Asser, Cllr Miraj Patel and Cllr Neil Wilson along with tennis representatives
Newham Council has joined forces with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to transform eight tennis courts across the borough, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities as part of the nationwide Parks Tennis Project.
The courts in Plashet Park, Royal Victoria Gardens and Little Ilford Park have undergone extensive work, including court resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets and posts and a new gate access system.
The LTA and Newham Council 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 free tennis access for two hours a week.
In a joint statement Councillor James Asser, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport, and Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “It’s great to see this transformation of our tennis courts that are now back into play for the benefit of local people.
“We are delighted with the new and improved court accessibility that has new gate access technology and booking systems.
“There will be lessons for all ages and abilities, and for beginners and those with special needs.
“Our tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for our community to get active, and gain physical, mental health and well-being benefits.”
Newham is part of a nationwide £30m programme of investment from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, which is transforming thousands of existing park tennis courts which are in poor or unplayable condition, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
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 competitions.
A new booking system and gate access technology now make it easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. All courts will be available to book via the LTA website.
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Newham 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 Newham.
"These improved tennis facilities in Plashet Park will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."