Adelaide SA, Australia, 6 May 2016 | tennis.com.au

Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge today joined government representatives to celebrate the commencement of work at the $8.9 million state-of-the-art Playford City Tennis Centre, part of the $55 million Playford City Sports Precinct development that will provide a regional centre for sport in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

Woodbridge joined City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty to turn the sod at the site of the new centre, as well as representatives of Tennis Australia, Tennis South Australia and the local Bicentennial Tennis Centre.

Mayor Docherty said the new Playford City Tennis Centre was designed to support the growing needs of the community and implement and develop well-structured player and club development pathways.

“The Playford Tennis Centre will provide opportunities for the next generation of tennis heroes, and create sporting pathways for junior and senior players to progress to an elite level,” Mayor Docherty said.

“The leading edge and high quality Playford City Tennis Centre is designed to deliver a balance between our local ‘grassroots’ community sport and major tournaments that will become a regional centre of excellence for tennis in South Australia.”

The new Tennis Centre will feature 16 Plexi-pave courts, eight ANZ Tennis Hot Shots courts, two community courts and a new clubhouse featuring function facilities and solar power. The complex has been designed to International Tennis Federation standards and will feature innovative LED lighting to allow for night games.

The facility was designed in collaboration with the local Bicentennial Tennis Centre, Tennis South Australia and Tennis Australia.

“It is estimated that nearly 40 jobs will be created as part of the development of the new Playford City Tennis Centre,” Mayor Docherty said.

“As part of this initiative the City of Playford will offer on-the-job training and work experience for local people in our community. Local suppliers and contractors will be engaged in the development of the new Playford City Tennis Centre where practical.”

The Tennis Centre is part of the 50-hectare Playford City Sports Precinct, which will include upgrades and developments to a wide range of sport facilities and activities including lawn bowls, soccer, football, softball and the Aquadome.