Thanet District Council confirms that the National Tennis Association (NTA) has been appointed to manage five of the district’s newly refurbished tennis courts. The courts, located across Thanet, are now fully renovated, with improved accessibility, innovative gate-access technology and easy to use online booking systems.
The renovated courts to be managed by the NTA are: Montefiore Games Centre in Ramsgate; Memorial Recreation Ground, Broadstairs; Hartsdown Park and Westbrook Games Centre, Margate; and St Mildred’s Games Centre in Westgate-on-Sea.
In January 2024, Thanet District Council and the LTA, the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, announced a partnership to invest in and refurbish public park tennis courts across Thanet. In total, six tennis venues have been renovated, with investment of £255,234 from the UK government and LTA Tennis Foundation. Thanet District Council invested a further £28,000 in the project, making a combined total investment of £283,234. The search for an operator began in late January while the work to update the courts was underway. This work was fully completed in September 2024.
Thanet District Council and the newly appointed operator, the National Tennis Association, will work with the LTA to deliver an exciting range of activities. These will include free weekly, volunteer activator led, park tennis sessions across the park sites for people of all ages, skill levels and playing experience. Equipment will be provided, meaning participants won’t need to bring their own racket.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, said: “Appointing an experienced operator to successfully manage and maintain these newly refurbished courts is vital to securing their future. Having received a substantial level of investment from the LTA, the next step in encouraging more Thanet residents to get involved in tennis is to have well maintained facilities and a partner that is dedicated to supporting tennis and growing the sport in the community. We have appointed the NTA for this role and I am pleased to have them on board.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Thanet officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Josh Gook, Thanet Parks Tennis Project Lead and Director at NTA commented: “The Park Tennis Project is a huge opportunity to grow community tennis facilities and grass roots sport across the country.
“We are looking forward to launching this exciting project across Thanet. We will aim to provide affordable, all year round tennis across pay and play, annual passes, free sessions and weekly coaching.
“We have ambitious plans to help grow the sport in Thanet and look forward to seeing players enjoying these upgraded facilities.”
Courts are open for booking now via the LTA website. Sessions cost £3.00 per 30 minutes and families and regular players can purchase an annual household pass. A payment of £40 gives access to courts for 12 months, with no additional charge. An hour of free group tennis lessons per week will be held at each court. Sessions are due to start in the spring.
For anyone passionate about tennis and eager to contribute, there is also an opportunity to become an activator. These volunteers work together to plan and lead fun activities on court as well as collaborating with venues and operators to help more people get active and enjoy tennis, with free weekly sessions. Find out more or sign up to the Activator Training Programme on the LTA website.
