In response to a proposal by the Wests’ Entertainment Group and Tennis NSW for a $5 million upgrade to the Tamworth Tennis Club, acting Mayor Helen Tickle has said the project would be positive for the region.

Wests’ unveiled plans to The Leader on Tuesday for an upgraded clubhouse along with new courts, hard surface upgrades to others and a show style arena.

The project is aimed at attracting local, state, national and international competitions to the area.

Cr Tickle said the project would be a boost for the city’s sporting community.

“This is an exciting project for the region and aligns with Council’s Community Strategic Plan to deliver high quality sporting facilities to the local community,” Cr Tickle said.

“This first step in this process is an Expression of Interest and Council will provide an appropriate letter of support for Tennis Australia to include in their submission.

“If the project progresses passed the EOI stage and is invited to submit a full grant application, then a formal report will be presented to Council detailing any financial contribution that may be required should the application be successful.”

And Council isn’t the only entity praising the project either.

Tennis Coach Mitch Power said the project could only mean good things for the sport.

“The hard surface would start to attract high level tennis to the area,” he said.

“It’s something Tamworth has been missing out for awhile.

“We have some very good junior players, and as far as hosting big tournaments and attracting players from around Australia goes, we haven’t had that for awhile because we haven’t had those facilities.

“This can only be good for tennis.”

Mr Power said Tamworth had a thriving junior tennis population and a competitive arena could also encourage more adults to try their hand at the sport as well.

“It will be great, we will be able to hold gold or platinum level sorts of tournaments and this could easily attract some of the top 20 or 30 ranked players in Australia, who would travel here to play on them. 

“It can only be good, to have a top class hard court facility here will be very helpful.”