Whitby residents will be serving and volleying in time for Wimbledon after their local tennis courts re-opened after more than a decade following a restoration as part of a £730,000 investment project.
The courts at Whitby Leisure Centre have been given a new lease of life with modern playing surfaces, nets, perimeter fencing and associated landscaping. New balls and rackets have also been purchased for the public to use.
A surface replacement has also taken place at a nearby multi-use games area, which can now be used for tennis, basketball and five-a-side football.
The regeneration was part of phase two of the former Scarborough Borough Council’s public realm improvement scheme, ‘Project Sunshine’, which brought disused and dilapidated areas in the borough back into use.
On Friday, children from West Cliff Primary School were the first to play a set on the refurbished courts, whilst also putting the games area through its paces.
Members of Whitby Tennis Club, the Whitby Jets basketball team and sports leaders from Caedmon College were on hand to put on some games and challenges for the children.
Executive member for culture, arts and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “Promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for both adults and children is a priority for North Yorkshire Council.
“This investment in the tennis courts in Whitby provides modern facilities that can be enjoyed for many years to come by residents and visitors alike. It’s a real game-changer for Whitby.
“We will continue to promote access to sporting facilities across the county as the new council remains focused on improving the health and well-being of our residents.”
Fosse Contracts undertook the redevelopment of the courts and the games area. The tennis courts are part of Whitby Leisure Centre which is run in partnership with Everyone Active.
Cllr Phil Trumper, the local member for the Whitby West division, added: “The tennis courts in Whitby had been out of action for a decade and the people of the town were crying out for their much-needed return.
“To see them back open again with local school children getting to play on them for the first time was a great sight.
“The tennis courts, along with the multi-use games area, will provide a safe, year-round access to sports facilities for people of all ages.”
Peter Smith, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “The tennis courts are looking fantastic and we are delighted to be running them in partnership with North Yorkshire Council. We look forward to welcoming people from across the community to these refurbished courts and helping them to be active.
“In addition, the multi-use games area will provide a range of activity opportunities for a variety of user groups and will prove a really valuable facility for many years to come.”
The tennis courts can be booked via the Everyone Active website.