Mother nature has thrown some curveballs, but Wollongong's new Regional Tennis Centre is on track for a mid-January completion as the final coats of paint on the centrepiece courts go down before Christmas.
While the rain and heatwave conditions have impacted our progress, the warm days have allowed essential surface remediation works to be carried out. This marks the finalisation of this massive project that has seen phased opening of completed elements since January 2025.
The centre will see eight international-standard cushioned acrylic courts, two community hard courts, four synthetic grass courts, and another multipurpose court available for community use. New shade structures and seating, floodlighting, pathways and soft landscaping have also been installed as work on the elite show courts is completed.
Weather-permitting, it's now anticipated that the Centre will be operational by the middle of January – just as the Australian Open begins – with an official opening planned to coincide with a Wollongong Festival of Tennis in collaboration with Tennis NSW in mid-February.
With the project having encountered several unanticipated challenges since work began, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown is ecstatic to see final surface works nearing completion.
"We've obviously faced unforeseen issues with the discovery of asbestos and the surface 'bubbling' on some of the courts, but we're absolutely delighted to see the finishing touches being carried out," Cr Brown said.
"Once the centre is fully completed, it will be one of the few Tier 2 competition venues in NSW, positioning Wollongong as a destination for international, national and state-level tennis competitions and all the benefits they provide for our city.
"With 15 courts, including a multi-use court for things like pickleball, the facility will continue to provide opportunities for local and community play, coaching and school programs, and casual hire. It will allow all ages and abilities to enjoy the game of tennis, while possibly unearthing the next Ash Barty right here in Wollongong."
Council acknowledges and appreciates the financial support of the Federal Government, NSW Government and Tennis NSW. We look forward to celebrating the formal opening of Wollongong's new tennis centre in early 2026.
