With construction now underway, the upgrade to Wollongong’s Beaton Park Tennis Courts is set to change the game of tennis in Regional NSW. The project will transform the venue into a vital Regional Tennis Hub for the state and Illawarra community.
On Friday 2 June, the construction commencement ceremony took place to celebrate the start of the project’s construction. Members from the NSW Government, Destination NSW, Mark Sleigh, Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor, Gordon Bradbery AM, Wollongong City Council General Manager, Greg Doyle, as well as Tennis NSW President, Melissa Achten and Tennis NSW CEO, Darren Simpson, all gathered to celebrate the monumental moment.
The major project will see the construction of 14 new courts, including eight International Tennis Federation standard acrylic hard courts, two community acrylic hard courts and four synthetic grass community courts. Ultimately, providing greater opportunities to players from grassroots to elite-level players.
The two-stage project will also upgrade the facilities spectator seating, new floodlighting, shade structures, a new car park, and improved player facilities, enabling the venue to secure international, national, and state level events.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery said, “This is a real milestone for our tennis-loving community and something we should all be very excited about. The work is starting on one of the city’s major projects for the year, and something that will offer improved opportunities to tennis players of all levels. Plus, it gives Wollongong the opportunity to be able to pitch to have elite tennis events held at this facility.”
Additionally, Beaton Park Tennis Courts transformation into a major Regional Tennis Hub strongly aligns with the Tennis NSW’s State Infrastructure and Investment Strategy. Specifically, the upgrade supports the vision and identifies the need to develop several Regional Tennis Hubs across NSW, addressing the shortage of venues in NSW which can support ITF and regional level events, whilst also improving the opportunities and the pathways for players, coaches, and officials within regional NSW.
Tennis NSW CEO, Darren Simpson said, “Tennis NSW is extremely pleased to be working in partnership with Wollongong City Council to realise this important project for tennis in the Illawarra, an important project for tennis in NSW. We thank all key stakeholders for their vision and support that has meant all levels of Government have contributed financially to the project.
“Wollongong is a tremendous destination to visit and with facilities such as this, we hope to bring international, state and regional content to the area on a regular basis and with it generate the interest locally that propels participation and all the social, health and economic benefits associated.
“Having access to grand slam surfaces and quality venues such as this will help develop the next Ash Barty’s and talent like Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson who have come up from NSW.”
Supported by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant, the NSW Government Building Better Regions Fund, Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund 2020-21, NSW ATP Cup Tennis Legacy Fund and Wollongong City Council, this project will consequently improve the accessibility and support of tennis to all in Regional NSW and is estimated to deliver $8.1 million in health and social benefits to Wollongong.
Tennis NSW is proud to support Beaton Park Tennis Courts transformation and look forward to the venue re-opening in 15-months.
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