The City of Greater Geelong is putting $13m towards a new regional tennis centre at Armstrong Creek as it steps up pressure on state and federal governments to help get the project built.
The proposed $22.5m Geelong Regional Tennis Centre would feature 20 tennis courts and eight smaller multipurpose courts, with the aim of attracting professional tournaments and providing a training and development base for players across western Victoria.
Tennis Victoria has made the project its number one infrastructure priority ahead of the state election and, together with Tennis Australia, has committed a further $1m in funding and in-kind support.
The city and Tennis Victoria are seeking another $8.5m from the state and federal governments to deliver the project.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the proposal had strong backing across the sport.
“We’re continuing to have conversations with government and candidates because we know what this project could deliver for Geelong, for tennis and for western Victoria,” he said.
The centre would include 12 International Tennis Federation-approved courts capable of hosting international events, eight community courts and training and recovery facilities.
The eight smaller multipurpose courts would cater for pickleball, Hot Shots and POP Tennis.
Professional tennis player Amy Stevens, who grew up in Ocean Grove and Wensleydale, said a high-level facility closer to home would make a major difference for regional players.
“Having a regional facility would be amazing for a visibility side of things. You can really be what you can see,” she said.
“That belief system and pathway that the regional facility would provide would be amazing for the young talent coming up.
“I can see the regional tennis facility being used as a hub for big professional tournaments, whether that’s a lead-in for the Australian Open or junior events.”
Tennis Victoria chief executive Kim Kachel said the centre would support community participation, player development, high-performance pathways and major events.
“For a region experiencing significant growth, investment in contemporary sporting infrastructure is critical,” he said.