The Launceston Regional Tennis Centre is a world-class facility in need of an upgrade.
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That was the message from Tennis Tasmania on Saturday as the government announced $2 million in funding towards the centre’s redevelopment.
It represents half of the project’s overall cost, which includes the construction of multi-purpose community spaces, as well as a revamp of the courts.
Tennis Tasmania chief executive Darren Sturgess said the funding would ensure the future of events such as the Launceston International.
“This is an opportunity for us to develop a major facility in Launceston and the North, which we have lacking in comparison to the North-West and Hobart,” he said.
“We are in the enviable position of being able to host three events within Tasmania – the Hobart International, the Burnie International and the Launceston International.
“The new facility would definitely future-proof the Launceston International. It’s a much-needed centre and a much-needed commitment.”
The $2 million commitment comes after feasibility and impact assessment work for the project was completed through Tennis Tasmania and Tennis Australia.
Tennis Tasmania have also committed an additional $300,000 to go along with what has already been put forward.
Speaking at the announcement, Liberal Lyons MP Guy Barnett said the funding aligned with the government’s health target for the state.
“We need to be more physically active and this is one way we can achieve that. Launceston is renowned for terrific tennis courts, but we do need this clubhouse and community events centre,” he said.
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said while council had received a briefing from Tennis Australia about the project, there had been no formal request for funding.
“Now the state government has made this commitment to tennis in the North, we would expect a formal request in the not-so-distant future,” he said.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with the other two tiers of government towards achieving the goal of a national-standard tennis facility for Launceston.”