27 January 2017 | Tennis Queensland

The biggest tennis facility in Queensland has officially opened on the Gold Coast.

It’s been a 15 year journey for the Gold Coast Senior’s Tennis Club, which now boasts 29 courts across two clubs, including Miami Tennis Club.

Ten new courts have been built, including a cushioned acrylic surface which is the first of its kind in Australia.

Wednesday’s opening ceremony was attended by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, and Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Sport Curtis Pitt.

“This development will result in a combined facility for tournament and event purposes that will have a total of 29 courts which makes it the largest tennis venue in terms of the number of courts in Queensland,” said Tennis Queensland Facilities Manager Mick Blomer.

“This will allow these clubs to expand their significant annual tournament calendar as well as cater for larger number of entries to each of these events, making them bigger and better than ever before,” he added.

The club raised the $1.8 million to build the facility over a period of years, with the catalyst being a Get Playing Plus grant secured in 2014 for just over $586k, one third of the project cost. The two clubs matched that amount, with the City of Gold Coast providing the final third.

“We are very grateful that we have been able to construct such a fantastic facility that will be used by the community for many years to come,” said GCSTC President Mike Evans.

“Many thanks goes to the project team of Mike Evans and Dean Napier and committee members, Bettiann Gain, Steve Bowden, Allan Jones, Lionel Pereira and Jeff Bentley for all of the foresight and dedication shown towards the club and the project.”

Treasurer and Minister for Sport Curtis Pitt said the State Government was proud to support grassroots sports, especially those that support seniors.

“The expansion of Miami Tennis Club has been an incredibly worthwhile project,” Mr Pitt said.

“Our $586,000 contribution to constructing synthetic grass courts and hot shots courts with lighting as well as pathways, player shelters and a pavilion for supporters is a major undertaking that will position this impressive local club for future membership growth and competitions.”

Gold Coast City Council also supported the facility as part of its vision to become the sporting capital of Queensland.

“We also recognise the importance of quality sports facilities as an economic driver. This venue is another string in our economy’s racquet, supporting the Gold Coast as Australia’s sporting capital,” said Mayor Tom Tate.

“As they say…tennis is as Aussie as Vegemite!