Gorleston's redeveloped Clifftop Tennis Courts serve up official opening

Residents and visitors are in for a smashing treat as Gorleston Tennis Courts are set to serve up excitement with an official opening on Saturday, September 16, with the opportunity for people to take part in plenty of free activities.

Thanks to a £125,438.27 investment from the Government and the LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, all six courts have been resurfaced and refurbished. There is also new fencing and a 'smart gate' has been installed, allowing players to reserve the courts using an online booking system.

The state-of-the-art facility promises to be a match winner for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, offering a top-notch venue for sports and recreation in the heart of the community.

The opening ceremony will take place from 9.30am on Saturday, September 16, at Gorleston Tennis Courts, located at Gorleston Cliff Tops. Councillor Emma Flaxman-Taylor, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for housing, health and communities, will officially open the courts with a speech and ribbon cutting at 10.15am, with the event drawing to a close at about 12.30pm.

The event will feature free tennis taster sessions, with both coach-led and family 'come and play' sessions, which are available to book online. People are also encouraged to turn up, pick up a racquet and get a rally going - subject to availability on the day.

To extend the celebrations, all six courts will be available to be booked completely free of charge for the remainder of the weekend, from 1pm on Saturday, September 16, through to 7pm on Sunday, September 17. Bookings should be made via Clubspark and searching for 'Gorleston Clifftops'.

As well as weekly 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. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. A small fee of £7 per hour per court will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.

The LTA and Great Yarmouth Borough Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts to provide regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

Cllr Flaxman-Taylor said: ''The opening of Gorleston Tennis Courts represents a significant milestone in our mission to promote health, fitness and community engagement through tennis. We are thrilled to provide a high-quality facility for Gorleston residents and invite everyone to come and be part of this exciting journey."

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: "After months of hard work, we're delighted to see the Gorleston park tennis courts 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, said: "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 Gorleston.
 
"These improved tennis facilities will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."