A new chapter in the sporting history of Wollongong has begun, with the Wollongong Regional Tennis Centre officially opened on Friday.
The project has transformed the Centre into a Tier 2 facility, positioning Wollongong as a destination for international, national and state-level events and a major strategic base for development of the sport in NSW.
The elite facility – opened hot on the heels of the Australian Open – now boasts eight ITF-sized cushioned acrylic courts, alongside two community-sized cushioned acrylic courts, four synthetic grass courts, and another multipurpose cushioned acrylic court for community use.
With 15 courts in total, the Centre has even greater potential to produce the next Ash Barty, Alex di Minaur, or Dylan Alcott from right here in Wollongong, while also providing access to community play, coaching and school programs, and casual court hire.
This will ensure tennis remains the wonderfully inclusive and accessible sport it is for people of all ages, abilities and ambitions, while allowing a whole new generation of players, coaches and officials to fall in love with the sport.
With the project having encountered a number of unanticipated challenges since work began, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown was delighted to see the project successfully delivered.
"Wollongong is a genuinely sports-mad city with a long history of producing champions in a wide variety of sports," Cr Brown said.
"As a result of this project, I have no doubt we'll see more names added to that decorated honour roll as more people fall in love with the sport of tennis because of the opportunities this facility will provide.
"With the ability to add major tennis tournaments to our city's growing resume as a home of large-scale national, and international sporting events, it will also provide economic and tourism opportunities.
"Whatever your ambitions may be, from elite competition to social play you'll find a home at the new Wollongong Regional Tennis Centre."
Having cleared some hurdles along the way, General Manager of Wollongong City Council Greg Doyle expressed gratitude for the support of the Australian Government, NSW Government and Tennis NSW for their financial contribution towards the project.
"Delivering this type of upgrade requires significant investment from Council, and it's not something we could deliver without the support of Federal and State Governments, along with Tennis NSW," Mr Doyle said.
"We're very grateful that these essential stakeholders shared our vision for the project and helped us deliver this wonderful facility for our community. We want to continue attracting major events to our city, while also making sure our residents have great places to exercise, socialise and build a sense of community.
'Sport and recreation brings people together, and we're so excited to see the completion of this project so that our community can enjoy it to the fullest."
Tennis NSW CEO Maria Nordstrom echoed the sentiment.
"Tennis is at its best when it brings communities together and this facility will do exactly that," Ms Nordstrom said.
"The Wollongong Regional Tennis Centre provides a welcoming and inclusive home for players of all ages, abilities and ambitions. From school programs and coaching to social play with family and friends, right through to the capability to host professional events, this project ensures everyone in Wollongong has access to quality spaces to stay active, connect with others, and experience the joy of our sport.
"We're grateful to Wollongong City Council and our government partners for their commitment in making this vision a reality."
Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP said the centre would become a key sporting and community hub.
"The Australian Government has invested in this incredible centre which will give young people across the Illawarra more opportunities to learn, grow and dream big – supporting future generations of home-grown champions," Ms Byrnes said.
"Not only this, but a modern and inclusive facility will further strengthen Wollongong's position as a major hub for worldclass sporting events, driving local jobs growth, tourism and investment.
"Congratulations to Wollongong City Council and Tennis NSW for seeing this vision become a reality."
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said that projects like this create places that bring the whole community together to participate and enjoy sport and active recreation.
"Local sports infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and Wollongong Regional Tennis Centre will bring fans and players of all ages and abilities together both on and off the courts," Mr Kamper said.
"I look forward to seeing how the community will enjoy this facility well into the future."
Member for Wollongong Mr Paul Scully was excited to see the revamp completed.
"The NSW Government's $1 million contribution to the project has helped make the revamp of Beaton Park's tennis facilities possible," he said.
"In addition to bringing the courts up to modern expectations the new shade structures, seating, floodlights, pathways and landscaping will make sure that this is a better facility for those on the court as well as those spectating. It continues the support that the NSW Government is providing tennis in Wollongong which has included upgrades to courts at Gilmore Park and Wiseman Park Tennis Clubs."
Friday's celebration marks the final step of a phased opening of completed elements that began in January 2025, with essential surface remediation works, painting and line-marking completed in January before being handed over to the Centre operator – Complete Tennis.
Accompanying works included new shade structures, spectator seating, floodlights, pathways and soft landscaping and the addition of 110 new parking spaces at the centre.
Council is also appreciative of the efforts and commitment of our Principal Contractor – Select Civil Pty Ltd, and their key subcontractor – Dynamic Sports Facilities Australia Pty Ltd who have been trusted delivery partners during project through challenging site conditions and constraints
This project was funded by the Australian Government, the NSW Government's Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund 2020-21, NSW ATP Cup Tennis Legacy Fund and Wollongong City Council.
