by Tim Nuttall
Outdoor tennis has returned to Withernsea following the completion of a £350,000 redevelopment and refurbishment project, culminating in the installation of three floodlit, all-weather courts.
The new facilities are now open and available for bookings, either through membership or on an hourly pay-as-you-play arrangement. Local residents and visitors to the town are encouraged to make use of the courts.
A spokeswoman for Withernsea Tennis said: “Missing Wimbledon? You don’t have to wait until next year for your tennis fix! We are delighted that our fabulous new tennis courts are now fully operational.
“The facilities are open to all, regardless of ability. Coaching sessions for all age groups are scheduled to commence from September, with regular club sessions also running throughout the week.”
To streamline the booking process, the site is equipped with a SmartAccess system, allowing users to reserve courts online and enter the premises using a unique PIN.
Bookings and further information, including membership options, can be found at clubspark.lta.org.uk/withernseatennisclub.
Access to the courts is via the car park next to the Hut. This arrangement was achieved thanks to the support of East Riding Council, which assisted the club in establishing the new main entry point.
Work began in November 2024 to prepare the site, last used for tennis in the early 90s, for the installation of the new courts that now form the centrepiece of Withernsea Tennis.
The relaunch has been made possible thanks to the efforts of a small but dedicated committee who, since 2022, have worked tirelessly to secure funding and raise the profile of tennis in the community.
The project received financial backing from a number of businesses and organisations, with the majority of funding comprising a £300,000 investment from Sport England and a £50,000 grant from Withernsea Big Local.
Hari Matharu, head of community assets at Sport England, said: “Sport England is hugely proud to have supported the development of Withernsea Tennis by the community, who have so brilliantly created a new tennis club from the ground up.
“We’re delighted to contribute to a facility which is genuinely local, affordable and has local people at its very heart.”
For further information, search Withernsea Tennis Club online or follow Withernsea Tennis on Facebook for regular updates. Alternatively, the club can be contacted via email at [email protected]