Barn Elms Sports Centre tennis courts reopen after renovation

Barn Elms is one of three sites in the borough to benefit from these improvements, alongside Roehampton Playing Fields and Battersea Park.

The makeover includes resurfacing and repainting the courts, installing new fencing, nets and a modern gate system, ensuring the facilities are protected and playable for years to come.

The 10 new courts were unveiled at an event on 17 August attended by residents, Council officers and LTA representatives. Residents were also invited to pick up a racket and enjoy a series of tennis sessions.

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Through our Wandsworth Moves Together strategy, we are committed to helping local people move more in spaces they feel most comfortable.

“Tennis is not only a great way to exercise, it is also a brilliant way to meet people. That’s why we’re proud to reopen these refurbished courts, ensuring they remain fit for purpose so people can enjoy them for many years to come.

“We also offer a range of subsidised coaching sessions, so even if you’ve never picked up a racket before, now is the time to start.”

Under Wandsworth’s Access for All programme, Britain’s best concession scheme, eligible residents can get 50% to 100% off holiday coaching camps, junior courses and adult daytime courts and sessions, ensuring no one is priced out of sport.

Learn more and see the full range of offers on our website or enquire about discounted coaching at Barn Elms Sports Centre and Battersea Park Millennium Arena.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment of over £45m in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 25 courts across Wandsworth, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.

This nationwide programme of investment has seen over 3,000 existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

As well as weekly Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the refurbished courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. A new booking system means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts at Barn Elms officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.

“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”

The council and its operating partner Enable will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA, Wandsworth Council and Enable will work together to ensure Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

The tennis courts at Battersea Park have also recently been completed, with an official launch event being planned for September.