THE disused tennis courts in North tamworth will be torn up as council enters into discussions with developers.
A report unanimously approved by councillors at Tuesday night's meeting approved the removal of the court clubhouse and courts and will enable mayor Col Murray and TRC general manager Paul Bennett to enter into discussions with a proposed commercial developer.
After the intention of changing the use of the courts was made public last year council received four proposals for use of the site: Tamworth Older Men's Network Inc, Tamworth Community Organic Gardeners, a commercial proposal and Tamworth Girls Squadron, Australian Air League.
In its previous discussions about the future of the site, council indicated its desire to update and retain a community park or playground because the Tamworth Recreation and Open Space Plan identified a shortage of open space and quality playgrounds in the North Tamworth area.
"Council could enter into an agreement with Tamworth Older Men's Network Inc, and/or Tamworth Community Organic Gardeners and/or the Tamworth Girls Squadron to utilize the Tennis Courts and Club House as a shared facility as well as upgrading the park/playground," the report said.
" Under these proposals council would still own the land and buildings and would potentially be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure and any other improvements on the site."
The report indicated council could achieve its desire to upgrade and enhance the park/playground at little or no cost if the site was sold with council having the option of using any net returns to help the other groups interested in the site to find suitable locations for their activities. The tennis courts site is classified as Operational Land and is zoned RE1 (Public Recreation).
The commercial proposal would not be able to go ahead unless the site was rezoned.
Following council's decision last week it was decided a report on the progress of the commercial discussions, and those taking place with four community based organisations who have expressed interest in developing the block, would be brought back to a future council meeting for consideration by councillors, prior to a formal agreement being made.