Darwin NT, Australia, 28 April 2015 | Tennis Australia

The Northern Territory Government today announced an $8 million contribution towards a new world-class tennis facility for Marrara in Darwin, significantly boosting the future of tennis in the region.

The proposed project, a partnership between the NT Government, Tennis NT and Tennis Australia, will deliver a venue featuring 15 international standard Plexipave courts – including one show court – four ANZ Tennis Hot Shots courts and a multi-purpose clubhouse.

The facility will also be designed to provide a range of multi-use facilities including:

• community meeting and education rooms
• a flexible show court for the staging of sports and cultural events
• conference and function capabilities
• administrative and media space

“This project will be a major boost to the future of grassroots and high performance tennis in Darwin and will help further drive and grow the sport in the Northern Territory,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said today.

“To have a world-class tennis venue at Marrara will give Darwin the opportunity to attract and host major international and national events while also supporting high performance tennis development and great tennis facilities for the local community.

“The Davis Cup quarterfinal tie in July on a purpose built court is just one example of the many tennis events that Darwin can expect to see in the future, with the world’s best travelling to the Top End to compete.

“This new tennis and multipurpose facility will generate significant economic benefit to the Northern Territory and strengthen the state’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region.

“Tennis Australia would like to thank the NT Government for their strong commitment and funding of this project, along with Tennis NT.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles said the NT Government is investing heavily in sporting and community infrastructure in Budget 2015.

“We know Territorians love their sport and we want people to have top quality sporting facilities wherever they live,” Mr Giles said.

“Interest in tennis in the NT is at an all-time high with the Davis Cup quarterfinal coming our way in July. This $8 million contribution towards a world-class tennis venue at Marrara will help the sport build on that excitement and grow participation at the grassroots level.”

The Marrara facility project is a key priority in Tennis Australia’s National Infrastructure Plan.