Game, set, match. 36 local tennis courts revamped with LTA funding
Budding players, first timers and everyone in between can work on their backhand at newly improved and refurbished tennis courts across Wirral.
Following a successful funding bid by Wirral Council’s Active Wirral leisure service, £362,000 has been invested into 36 tennis courts across the borough, with some facilities being completely revamped.
Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, said:
As part of these transformation works, dozens of Wirral Tennis courts have undergone upgrades to ensure that people can enjoy the facilities for years to come.
All courts have received new gate systems and some have had resurfacing works or been repainted - along with the addition of new fencing and nets.
This significant investment is in line with our plan to give more people access to high quality sports and recreation facilities within the borough. Providing our communities with state-of-the-art tennis courts is a vital part of encouraging local people to live active and healthy lives – and will hopefully help to produce some homegrown Grand Slam winners in the future.
The reopening of the courts has also coincided with the announcement of a new tennis operator, with We Do Tennis C.I.C having been appointed to take over the operation of the courts from 2 August 2024.
To celebrate the launch, We Do Tennis will be hosting a free ‘family fun day’ at Harrison Park on Saturday 10 August, with all abilities and ages welcome to attend by booking a free space.
Andy Moss, Head of Parks at We Do Tennis, said:
We’re absolutely thrilled to be taking over the running of Wirral’s tennis courts, especially after the refurbishments.
We’re keen to encourage everybody to get involved and make use of them, so our family fun day is free and open to everyone who wants to test out the new facilities.
Residents who want to perfect their serve can find the improved courts at the following locations:
• Coronation Park, Greasby (1 court)
• Harrison Park, Wallasey (7 courts)
• Torr Park, Eastham, (2 courts)
• Arrowe Park, Woodchurch (1 court)
• Higher Bebington Park, Bebington (3 courts)
• Saughall Grange, Moreton (2 courts)
• Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead (6 courts)
• Ashton Park, West Kirby (2 courts)
• Irby Park, Irby (2 courts)
• Marine Park, New Brighton (4 courts)
• Meols Parade Gardens, Meols (2 courts)
• New Ferry Park, New Ferry (4 courts)
A mix of free and low-cost tennis will be available on the courts. This includes the LTA’s Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions - free, social tennis sessions which will provide regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play. While small fees (£4 per hour and £35 for a household annual season ticket) will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.
New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. All courts will be available to book via the Lawn Tennis Association LTA website.
The Family Fun Day will take place at Harrison Park on Saturday 10 August, from 11am – 1pm. Equipment will be provided and We Do Tennis coaches will be on hand to help and answer questions about tennis in Wirral parks. The event is free but spaces must be booked via the We Do Tennis website.
