Park tennis courts in Redbridge reopen after £600,000 renovation

Park tennis courts in Redbridge have officially reopened after a £609,674 renovation, managed by the LTA and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, Redbridge Council & Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure.

Tennis courts in Valentines Park and Goodmayes Park, which are among those to have benefited from this investment, recently hosted a ceremony attended by The Mayor Cllr Jyotsna Islam and Cllr Namreen Chaudhry, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Communities, along with representatives from the LTA.

There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on the court for a range of tennis sessions delivered by the coaching provider NTA (National Tennis Association).

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest-ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 31 courts across Redbridge, significantly boosting sporting facilities.

The courts in Redbridge have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and new gate systems. This nationwide investment programme is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities nationwide, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, allowing people to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

All Redbridge tennis courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology make it easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. 

The fees are listed below.

• Monday-Friday 8am-12pm - free
• Monday-Friday 12pm-5pm - £2.50
• 5pm to closing and weekends - £5

The pricing structure will ensure the courts are maintained at their new high standard for many years.

The LTA, Redbridge Council and Vision RCL will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: "Redbridge is home to some of the best parks and green spaces in the country, and we're working with partners to protect and improve these vital spaces now and for generations to come. 

"Thanks to our partnership with the LTA and with funding and support, every tennis court in Redbridge Parks is being upgraded so local people can enjoy a match right on their doorstep this summer."

Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Trustees, said: "Vision has worked very hard to manage this project; this includes the renovation schedule with contractors under adverse weather conditions whilst also securing additional funding on top of the original £400,000 funding required to meet the specification agreed under the new partnership with LTA and London Borough of Redbridge.

"Last Sunday, we held a Tennis Open Day extravaganza at Valentines and Goodmayes; it was a big success for all partners to come together to celebrate the newly transformed courts with local people. It was great to see so many adults, teenagers and families taking advantage of the free coaching sessions and discovering more opportunities, including Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix, affordable tennis coaching from five years plus available during the summer holidays".

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: "After months of hard work, we're delighted to see park tennis courts across Redbridge officially back open to the public and in better shape than ever.

"Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment, the sport will be opened up to more players for years to come."

Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: "We are committed to levelling up access to sport, which is so important for the nation's physical and mental health.

 "The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment.

 "These improved tennis facilities in Redbridge will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."