A new £2.3 million three court indoor tennis centre is to be built in Dumfries and Galloway as part of a bid to improve access to tennis across the country.
It comes after plans to build a tennis centre in Dunblane backed by Judy and Andy Murray were shelved last month after they decided it was no longer viable.
It’s now been confirmed that the centre in Dumfries will be built, though, with the Transforming Scotland’s Indoor Tennis (TSIT) project announcing that it is due to open its doors to the public in 2025.
Dumfries and Galloway has a strong tennis infrastructure already with 11 registered clubs and almost 1,000 playing members and it is hoped this centre can help grow participation among all ages and abilities.
As well as the three indoor courts, the plan will include a raised viewing area, office space and accessible changing areas. It will be an inclusive, accessible and affordable facility providing more opportunities for people to play tennis.
The £1.7 million of funding from the RSIT fund operated by the LTA, LTA Tennis Foundation, sportscotland and Tennis Scotland including a £211,347 loan to Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Alongside that, the council has also provided £500,000 with the total cost of the project set to be £2,361,937.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Gail Macgregor, said: “I’m delighted to see this project moving forward. Our Council has committed half a million pounds towards the costs and this clear commitment is a strong sign of the importance we place on this facility, and indeed of facilities of its nature.
“Having such an accessible facility in our largest town in the region will not only be excellent for local tennis players, but will attract people into the region, boosting the local economy. I look forward to seeing building works commence.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “This is another important development for tennis in Scotland. This new indoor tennis centre in Dumfries is a fantastic example of what can be delivered when we work in partnership across the sporting sector.
“Our aim with the TSIT fund was to improve year-round access to tennis in key areas across Scotland and this is a significant milestone in that journey. I look forward to seeing the impact it has for the local communities and for the sport.”
The new facilities at the King George V Complex in Dumfries are the latest addition to Scotland’s indoor tennis infrastructure. Two new venues have opened in recent months, with a £1.63m four-court centre in Elgin opening in July while a six-court £4.5m centre opened at the Oriam in Edinburgh at the end of 2023.
This is all part of the TSIT which has already committed to spending £15m to improve access to tennis around the country.
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Scott Lloyd, CEO of the LTA said: “We are committed to investing in Scotland, and more indoor facilities are absolutely crucial to our ambition to open up tennis to new audiences.
"This new centre at Dumfries and Galloway will be a valuable addition to the existing network of community indoor tennis centres across Britain that play a pivotal role in supporting the physical and mental health of people in their local communities.
"This project will enable more people to play throughout the winter months and provide much needed facilities to the local tennis community.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners to drive greater visibility and engagement in tennis, to get more people playing the sport.’’
Blane Dodds, Chief Executive of Tennis Scotland, added: “Today’s announcement of a new indoor tennis centre in Dumfries & Galloway is a significant moment for the ongoing expansion of facilities across Scotland. As our sport continues to grow, it’s so important to ensure there is access to year-round tennis and this new centre will do just that.
"It will allow people to play who are new to the game and want to improve and compete, and aligns perfectly with our vision of creating more opportunities for people to get involved with tennis across the country.
“New indoor centres have already opened in Edinburgh and Moray this year and this project in Dumfries & Galloway gives further momentum to the growth of tennis in Scotland, which is seeing record club membership and more players competing at the highest levels.
"I want to thank everyone involved in reaching this stage for their support and ambition, and I look forward to the opening of an important new facility.”
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