Tennis centre will be for all the region

COMMUNITIES all across Dumfries and Galloway will have an input on the operations and development of the new regional tennis centre.

Dumfries and Galloway Council chiefs last week gave assurances that, while the new indoor tennis centre is located in Dumfries, it will be fully inclusive to tennis lovers from different corners of the region.

The keys to the new £2.3m centre at the King George V Sports Complex are set to be handed over to the council’s community partner, Queen of the South Trust, this month.

However, the formal launch of the new facility won’t take place until January.

The matter was discussed at the latest council’s education, skills, and community wellbeing committee, when Abbey Councillor Davie Stitt said: “When we get this indoor regional tennis centre up and running, are there going to be representations from the four areas – Wigtownshire, the Stewartry, Nithsdale, and Annandale and Eskdale – so that every area is represented on a committee?

“I think it’s important we don’t miss out any persons within the area because it is a whole Dumfries and Galloway project.”

Lee Seton, the council’s leisure, culture and wellbeing manager, replied: “Yes, so we have a D&G Tennis group that the late Keith Thom used to chair, and it really pushed forward this idea of the tennis centre.

“My staff, together with the community operator, are in contact with that forum to look at the best development opportunities for across the region. I see that being something that we want to encourage.”

He explained that the facility will be handed over from contractors at the end of this month, and added: “December will then be a test period when we can invite some school activity, and some club activity with a formal launch in January.”

The site is owned by Dumfries and Galloway Council but is managed and operated by community partner, Queen of the South Trust.

Construction work began last year on removing the run-down outside courts and for the site to be redeveloped with three new indoor tennis courts with a fabric roof above.

Tennis Scotland provided nearly £1.7m funding towards the £2.3m costs, with the council contributing £471,000, and the Hollywood Trust adding a further £200,000.