Brodick Tennis Courts to Undergo Major Refurbishment Thanks to Secured Funding

Brodick Tennis Courts in Arran are set to receive a significant upgrade following the successful acquisition of funding. The refurbishment project is a collaborative effort involving North Ayrshire Council and KA Leisure.

Through the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation funded Parks Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain. Investment of more than £150,000 will be used to transform the tennis courts, ensuring they are viable for years to come. Planned improvements include resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets, and a new gate entry system. This investment will breathe new life into the courts, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active and enjoy tennis. Total contributions also include investment from KA Leisure and support from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, managed by North Ayrshire Council.

The upgraded courts will be available to book via the KA Leisure website and its partnership with Club Spark, with new booking systems and gate access technology making it easier to secure a spot on the court. The LTA and KA Leisure 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.

Work is scheduled to commence from 21st April and will be completed in June. More details on official opening events and programming will follow shortly.

Malcolm McPhail, Chief Executive at KA Leisure, added: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see the Brodick tennis courts officially on track for refurbishment. Public tennis courts are vital facilities for getting communities active including families, 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.”

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, said: “We’re delighted that the future of the courts looks to be secured. Many people have been involved in achieving this success and particular credit goes to the local community who have put so much effort into ensuring this facility can enjoy a new lease of life.”

Malcolm and KA leisure would like to acknowledge the work of local tennis enthusiast Maggie Carson, who has supported the application and raised awareness of the potential of the tennis courts. Maggie shared “I first approached the LTA in May2023 to see if we could get some of the £3 million, they were investing across the UK as part of their Parks Investment Project providing a clear rationale for why this would be a good investment. The LTA were very receptive to my proposal but getting all the interested parties on board has taken the best part of two years and there were certainly times when I wondered if we would ever get there. The project has been a long time in the making, but I’m pleased to say we are finally there and excited to see it come to fruition just in time for the summer season.”

Maggie will lead a group of volunteers in the establishment of a club which will include opportunities for players of all abilities and ages to participate. More information on how to join and its programme will be available shortly.

The reopening of Brodick Tennis Courts is part of a broader initiative which includes the redevelopment of the Brodick Bowling Pavilion and Green. KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Active Schools are collaborating with dedicated local volunteers to restore the bowling green and establish a vibrant community club. If you’re interested in volunteering with the new club, joining or simply want to find out more email Chris at brodickbowlingclub@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more updates as we look forward to sharing further information soon.