DOWNPATRICK Tennis Club is appealing for tennis courts to be included in plans for the town’s new leisure centre. At a public meeting held by Down Council for local sports groups last Tuesday, the club proposed four artificial grass tennis courts and floodlights be included in redevelopment plans for the centre on Downpatrick’s Ballydugan Road.
The club currently uses four tarmac courts at Down High School, which are smaller than normal, retain water due to poor drainage and have no floodlights or changing facilities.
Benefits for the club would include an increase in their current tennis season, from four-and-a-half months to 12 months a year, an increase in membership, an opportunity to take part in more tournaments and access to changing and meeting rooms.
Considering the rental income that would be brought from the club, and their suggestion the courts could be used for five-a-side football twice a week, Downpatrick Tennis Club estimate a £200,000 income for Down Council over the next 10 years.
“The financial projections shown within this proposal indicate the tennis courts with floodlights, if provided by Down District Council, would pay for themselves,” said a club spokesman in a proposal submitted to the council.
The spokesman also stressed Downpatrick Tennis Club was the only provider of tennis within a 12 mile radius of Downpatrick.
“Many of the clubs we visit have facilities provided by their local council,” he said. “Our courts and facilities are the worst of any club in Northern Ireland bar none.
“The aim of Downpatrick Tennis Club has always been to promote tennis as a health sport for life, developing friendships and enhancing the community. With respect to equality and diversity the club has actively encouraged all ages, abilities and social groups.
“This is an excellent opportunity to provide a state of the art facility accessible to all ages and abilities who are interested in playing tennis.”