By Molly Magennis
The redeveloped Altona Tennis Club courts have been unveiled following a $2.6m major upgrade.
The three-year project was celebrated at a launch ceremony on May 19 attended by community sport minister Ros Spence, Altona MP Jill Hennessy and Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill.
The upgrade includes five new clay profile synthetic courts, surface renewal of six En Tout Cas courts, new flood lighting, an irrigation system, spectator facilities and a new Book-a-Court system.
The project was funded as part of Sport & Recreation Victoria’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, with a $1 million contribution from the state government and a $1.6 million contribution from council.
Cr Hemphill said that these new courts would be open for casual access by the community when they were not in use by the tennis club.
“We are looking forward to seeing the newly resurfaced courts being put to good use by the Altona Tennis Club and also the broader community,” he said.
“Team sports are not for everyone as they can require a significant commitment in terms of time. With very few barriers to entry, tennis provides a great sporting activity for those who are time poor. All you need is a racquet and a friend.”
Altona Tennis Club president Jerome Champetier de Ribes said he was “immensely thankful to council and the state government for making this happen”.
The courts are currently open for Altona Tennis Club members with casual community bookings expected to commence in July or August.
Bookings can be made via Tennis Australia at play.tennis.com.au.
