Improving Tennis Courts in Bexley
Here’s an example of how the refurbished courts will look (Ref. Marke Wood Park, Dover)
An LTA technical survey rated the current condition of Bexley's park courts as being either poor or very poor. Without this investment, the courts are likely to fall into a further state of disrepair, ultimately becoming unplayable.
Our plan
Once the works are completed, we plan to appoint an operator to manage the courts who will work with the London Borough of Bexley and the LTA to deliver tennis activities across the park sites. This will include weekly organised free tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience with equipment provided.
A court booking system will be introduced and a charge to use the courts brought back – with money being reinvested back into the sites (free slots would still be available at certain times).
Every site will also have new gates with PIN entry.
How to get in touch if you have any questions
- Contact OutdoorRecreation@bexley.gov.uk with any questions
Estimated timeline
- Work to begin in February 2024
- Completion of works June 2024
Tennis sites
Community engagement
We ran three community engagement drop-in sessions held at the following sites:
- Northumberland Heath recreation ground tennis courts - Tuesday 6 February, 1pm to 3pm
- Waring Park tennis courts - Wednesday 14 February, 10am to 12pm
- Danson Park tennis courts - Saturday 24 February, 11am to 1pm
This was an opportunity to speak to a member of our team about the project. From these discussions the following general themes were identified:
- People were positive about investment in the tennis courts
- People thought it was a shame to reintroduce charging but they understood it was to safeguard the future of the courts
- People were pleased to hear about the free tennis offer
- People were happy to pay a ‘reasonable’ charge to play providing they were getting an improved product
- People thought the gated system would be a barrier for some to access sport
- People liked the idea of being guaranteed a court through the booking system
Frequently asked questions
Why are we doing this?
Bexley’s park tennis courts were graded as poor or worse in a recent LTA condition report. Without significant investment at the courts risk falling into further disrepair possibly even resulting in closure. LTA and Government funding offers a once in a generation opportunity to improve the quality of the courts for the whole community as well as putting plans in place to safeguard them long-term.
Why are we reintroducing charging?
We need to reintroduce a charging model with a reasonable pricing structure so that income can be reinvested back into the courts to keep them at a good standard and safeguard their long-term future. Without this approach the courts would be at risk of falling into a state of disrepair and possible closure in the future. Free tennis slots and a free tennis programme will still be available to the public at every site.
What if we can’t afford to play?
Free tennis slots and a free tennis programme will still be available.
Are the tennis courts being privatised?
No. The courts are not being privatised or sold, they will still be owned by the London Borough of Bexley and they will continue to be used as tennis courts. We will be appointing a tennis operator to run a broad and inclusive programme for the whole community.
Are all Bexley’s Council’s courts being renovated?
All Bexley’s park tennis courts (26 courts across 7 park sites) are being renovated with this funding.