Decked out with brand new courts, upgraded facilities, and a refurbished clubhouse, Tamworth Regional Tennis Centre was celebrated at an Official Opening Ceremony this morning in Tamworth.
The $4.11 million project was delivered by Tamworth Regional Council and Wests Tamworth, with support from Tennis NSW, the NSW Government under the Regional Sports Facility Fund and Australian Government under the Building Better Regions Fund.
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said that the Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and is proud to invest in projects that create spaces and facilities that enable communities to enjoy and take part in sport across the state.
"I look forward to seeing players, from the grassroots to the elite level, and spectators come together to enjoy this world-class facility that will serve the community well into the future."
The Project has resulted in the redevelopment of the existing tennis centre to now include 9 international-standard cushioned acrylic courts, 4 recreational-standard sand filled artificial grass courts, a new pro shop and player facilities, a new car park, paths, fencing, lighting, PA and landscaping.
While these works were underway, Wests Tamworth have also significantly invested in the adjacent Clubhouse, to now provide a family friendly community hub known as "The Courts at East".
Chief Communications Officer, Paddy Donnelly says the venue is one of the New England's most exciting new spaces.
"State of the art renovations have resulted in a venue that combines exceptional dining, vibrant indoor and outdoor social spaces, and top-tier tennis facilities, creating an unmatched experience for members, guests and athletes," Paddy says. The Tamworth Regional Tennis Centre project was established in 2020 to further develop and support recreational and high performance tennis within the Tamworth and broader North West Region.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb says the venue is now one of Regional and State significance. "This venue will stimulate the sport of tennis, increase participation and coaching services and support high-performance pathways.
"The Tamworth Region is renowned for its exceptional sporting facilities that attract high level events to Tamworth. The Tamworth Regional Tennis Centre is no different and will
create more opportunities for Tamworth to host major tennis tournaments." Mayor Webb said.
Member for Tamworth and Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said investment in major sporting facilities like the tennis centre was critically important to Tamworth and the wider region.
"Tamworth has quicky become a major player in regional sporting tourism with families travelling from across the state and the country to use our state-of-the art sporting facilities.
"This tennis hub is the next piece of the puzzle, bringing tennis athletes to our city where they enjoy their time here, spend money in our pubs, clubs, café's, hotels and motels and provide a major boost to our region.
"Already, Tamworth has been able to attract major tournaments like the Capital of Country International tournament, with exciting national and international prospects like Cruz Hewitt gracing our own courts." Mr Anderson said.
Tennis NSW identified the Treloar Park site as a strategically important venue and leveraged the ATP Cup Legacy Fund to partner with all three levels of government and Wests Tamworth, to secure an outstanding outcome for regional tennis.
Today's opening coincided with Day 13 of the Capital of Country International – Australian Pro Tour Tennis Event, which has seen a strong field of both Australian and International players competing for over $60,000 in prize money.
Tennis NSW President, Melissa Achten says Tennis NSW had a deliberate strategy a number of years ago to invest in the re-development of facilities in regional locations to bring them up to International Tennis Federation (ITF) standard in order to attract more international Pro-Tour tennis and provide great facilities to local players.
"The Tamworth Regional Tennis Centre was the first project and we are both delighted, and extremely proud, to see the finished product now hosting the Capital of Country International.
"It's exactly what we set out to do, and we look forward to many years of top quality tennis being played here, as well as providing a community asset that will serve all levels of tennis players from right across the New England region." Ms Achten said.
The venue is among three new Regional Tennis Hubs, along with Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.
