Hastings Public Tennis Courts Reopen: 'Hundreds' Attend

Alexandra Park's refurbished tennis courts have been officially opened, with hundreds of people reportedly turning out to see the changes.

On Saturday (July 29), the organisation Break Point Tennis There were hundreds of people at the official opening of the refurbished tennis courts in Alexandra Park on Saturday 29 July.

Break Point Tennis, a coaching group, held sessions for all ages using the courts that have been refurbished using funds totalling £99,923 from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA through its Park Project.

According to Hastings Borough Council officials, the courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting and a new gate system for bookings.

It is now possible to courts by the hour using a "pay and play" system costing £5 per hour, per court, or to sign up for a yearly membership of £36 per household, which allows five people to have access for the year.

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor for health and culture, said:

"We are delighted with the new courts at Alexandra Park.

"The refurbished courts are a fantastic addition to the sports facilities in our town and form an important first part of our town wide investment in play and sport.

"A big thank you to the LTA Tennis Foundation, the LTA and the UK Government for funding the improvements.

"Tennis is a great way of getting out in the fresh air and it can be played with friends and family so it’s a sociable activity too."

The investment is more than simply for Hastings alone.

More than 3,000 existing tennis courts across England, Scotland and Wales are benefiting from a £30million input of funding, which permits existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition to be brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country

Not only will the courts be renovated, but accessibility improved with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:

"After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see these courts in Hastings 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, added:

"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 including in Hastings.

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