City of Playford Media Release
Friday 6 May 2016
Construction will today (Friday 6 May) commence on a new $8.9 million state-of-the-art tennis centre which is set to provide a significant boost to sporting facilities in the northern suburbs.
The Playford City Tennis Centre is part of the $55 million Playford City Sports Precinct development and will provide a regional centre for sports in the north.
To mark the commencement of construction, City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty will turn the sod at the site of the new Centre at 10am. The Mayor will be accompanied by Australian tennis champion Todd Woodbridge and delegates from Tennis Australia, Tennis SA and the local Bicentennial Tennis Centre.
Mayor Glenn Docherty said the development of the new Playford City Tennis Centre has been designed to support the growing needs of the community as well as implement and develop well-structured player and club development pathways.
“The Playford Tennis Centre will provide opportunities for the next generation of tennis heroes, and create sporting pathways for junior and senior players to progress to an elite level,” Mayor Docherty said.
“The leading edge and high quality Playford City Tennis Centre is designed to deliver a balance between our local “grass roots” community sport and major tournaments that will become a regional centre of excellence for tennis in South Australia.”
The new Tennis Centre will be highly visible to the 60,000 daily commuters on Main North Road. The complex will feature 16 plexi-pave courts, eight hot shot courts, two community courts and a new clubhouse featuring function facilities and solar power. The complex has been designed to international tennis federation standards and will feature innovative LED lighting to allow for night games.
The tennis complex was designed in collaboration with the local Bicentennial Tennis Centre, Tennis SA and Tennis Australia.
The development of the new Tennis Centre is part of Council’s strategic priority to promote healthy active lifestyles. This development also supports the creation of jobs and future proofing the role of sport in our region.
“It is estimated that nearly 40 jobs will be created as part of the development of the new Playford City Tennis Centre,” Mayor Docherty said.
“As part of this initiative the City of Playford will offer on-the-job training and work experience for local people in our community.”
“Local suppliers and contractors will be engaged in the development of the new Playford City Tennis Centre where practical.”
Scott Kennett, Construction Manager Kennett Builders, the construction partner for the facility, said that leisure projects are an important part of community infrastructure and the City of Playford is an important part of the history of the Kennett business.
“We were one of the original four builders to start construction in the district in 1955 and we have been contributing to the infrastructure ever since,” Mr Kennett said.
“This project designed by JPE Design Studio is going to be a fantastic asset for the Playford community and we could not be more proud to be selected as its builder.”
The Tennis Centre is part of the 50 hectare Playford City Sports Precinct, which will include upgrades and developments to a wide range of sport facilities and activities, including lawn bowls, football (soccer), Aussie Rules, softball and the Aquadome.
The Playford City Sports Precinct is a significant City of Playford project, as part of the Northern Economic Plan. The Northern Economic Plan has been developed by the State Government in partnership with the Playford, Salisbury, and Port Adelaide Enfield Councils, along with industries, businesses and the community. The plan is a blueprint for a prosperous northern Adelaide, focused on creating jobs and empowering local communities. For more information about the Northern Economic Plan is available at www.looknorth.com.au
For further information on the Playford City Tennis Precinct: http://www.playford.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=3187
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