Enabling residents to access spaces and places to be active comes at a cost, which needs to be met and sustained. Without a structured and sustainable plan for the borough’s parks tennis courts they will deteriorate and become unusable.

The recommendation is to seek LTA Investment and move to a sustainable operating model LTA investment along with the of introduction of a charge, access gates and specialist providers will require significant change and engagement with residents. Given the demand data provided by the LTA, good quality courts and a structured programme of activity and promotion will drive more residents to these courts and into the parks that host them, increasing the opportunity for residents to engage in other activities in the borough’s parks.

The Parks Tennis Investment programme provides the Council potentially with a one-off opportunity for significant investment into parks courts and to holistically consider the best way to offer tennis now and for future generations.

1.    That the implementation of a sustainable operating model as set out in this report, including the introduction of a charging policy be approved.

2.    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place to procure an operator and to agree the terms of the LTA funding and finalise the terms of any funding agreement be approved.

3.    That the delegation of authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into any documents required to implement the above decisions.