4 November 2019 | Tennis West

Background

Since 2016 Tennis West has been working closely with Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) to identify the best possible option for a redeveloped STC. An initial finding was that the best option was to remain at the Burswood site. Following a reduction of the land size we revisited the options. This process culminates in a finalised Business case. The Business Case is a critical requirement for Tennis West to move to the next stage of seeking approvals and funding

The Business Case Review and site option assessments have shown that a suitable location that meets the needs of our stakeholders and allows for all the required elements to be constructed in one location is now not available.

The Tennis West Board has taken the decision to proceed with finalising the Business Case with a High Performance Centre at the current location and a Development Centre at an alternative Site which is yet to be determined.

High Performance and International Tennis Events In WA

• The Existing STC is home to the National Academy – Perth, A high performance learning environment for emerging elite players
• It is also home to the Tennis West Academy, an elite Junior Pathway development Programme closely aligned to the National Academy
• The venue also host numerous National and International level tournaments
• Perth is increasingly an important gateway to connection with Asian Tennis, with teams and junior squads regularly visiting the STC to participate in events and development programmes
• From January 2020 Perth will be one of three cities in Australia to host the ATP World Team Cup
• Tennis West and Tennis Australia are also seeking to attract a new international Women’s event to Perth. Success in achieving this will be dependent on having ITF compliant courts and facilities. Current facilities do not meet these requirements.

Current Facilities and Project Need

The Current facilities require remediation to meet compliance and event standards. The facility has:

• only 13 courts,
• poor infrastructure for spectators,
• no indoor courts and
• insufficient change-room and training facilities to meet the needs of elite athletes

The New State Tennis Centre

The decision to redevelop Burswood and a Development centre will be actively worked by the STC Redevelopment Committee.  Proposal work is underway. This project is expected to deliver the following:

• 16 Hard courts to ITF standards
• Four of these courts will be covered/indoor
• Enhanced spectator facilities
• An Administration base to support the growth of Tennis in Western Australia, the expanding programmes, and all of the associated administrative activities to support our competitions, places to play etc
• Elite training facilities including Gym, medical facilities, locker room and the necessary requirements for ITF tournaments and ATP Cup
• Car parking

Next Steps

Activities to progress the project are underway with the key task to align our stakeholders at State, Federal and local levels. By finalising the business case and preliminary plans and costs it is hoped that a fully developed funding and project plan can be communicated in Q1 2020.

We look forward to keeping you fully informed as these plans develop and seek your support in ensuring our many stakeholders are as energised and engaged as we are at this exciting time for the Sport of Tennis in Western Australia.