A commemorative sod-turning has signified the start of construction for Wagga Wagga’s new regional tennis hub – the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre – and commencement of stage one of re-development for the Bolton Park Sports Hub.
The event on Monday afternoon was attended by representatives from Wagga Wagga City Council, Tennis NSW, Wagga Wagga Tennis Association and representatives of the local First Nations, sporting and broader communities.
Special guests included Australian tennis legend Mr Wally Masur, and CEO of Tennis NSW Mr Darren Simpson.
The project involves construction of a new facility that will include eight International Tennis Federation (ITF) championship hard courts, two warm-up courts, five community courts, two multi-purpose netball courts and new clubrooms.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout spoke of the benefits the new centre will bring to the region.
“The Jim Elphick Tennis Centre will not only enhance Wagga Wagga’s standing as a top-tier athletic centre – capable of drawing tourists, competitors, and officials from around the country – but will also provide our community with outstanding facilities that promote local health and wellbeing and cultivate young athletes at the grassroots level, across multiple sports,” Cr Tout said.
“This project could not have been realised without the support and grant funding received from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, and our partners at Tennis NSW.”
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said “The Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund provides inclusive and accessible facilities to enable more people to play sport, regardless of age, gender or ability.
“The Fund has invested $200 million in 77 projects that will enable more people to play sport and be active across NSW.
“The turning of the first sod is an important milestone in the construction of the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre and stage one of development of the Bolton Park Sports Hub.”
CEO of Tennis NSW Mr Darren Simpson remarked that he is excited to see an international standard facility being constructed in Wagga Wagga.
“It’s a very special day for Tennis and for the Wagga Wagga community, as we mark the start of this major project,” Mr Simpson said.
“The Jim Elphick Tennis Centre will be one of the few venues within NSW capable of hosting ITF-level events and will provide young talent the opportunity to develop their skills on a grand slam surface.
“Upgrades such as these provide more opportunities for our regional players and support the efforts in making our sport more accessible for players of all abilities.”
Redevelopment of the centre is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
The project is funded through a NSW Government Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund grant of $5 million, a contribution of $1.25 million from Tennis NSW through the ATP Cup Legacy Fund, and $2.9 million from Wagga Wagga City Council.
