The Alexandra Tennis Courts in Penzance have re-opened to the public this week after three and half months of refurbishment works. There’s no need to book a court or pay any membership fees – just turn up and play!
As part of Phase Two of Devolution from Cornwall Council, Penzance Council took on the management of both the Alexandra Tennis Courts and the Alexandra Playpark this summer.
This was a perfect opportunity to develop two well-used facilities that desperately needed some TLC.
The Tennis Courts re-opened to the public on Monday 18 October, with a small group of players keen to get back on court for a game!
Town Clerk, Cllr Jonathan How (Mayor of Penzance), and Cornwall Councillor Jim McKenna officially open the courts
A whole host of improvements have been made to the courts including:
- Repairs to the boundary wall
- Brand new fencing
- Court resurfacing
- New court markings
- Brand new nets
It’s hard to miss the courts now when walking down Alexandra Road as the courts have been resurfaced in bright green and purple. As well as being the classic Wimbledon colours, purple is the strongest contrasting colour for yellow which enables players to better see the ball when playing on court.
“It’s wonderful to see the difference that a bit of investment can make to a facility like Alexandra Play Park” said Councillor Jonathan How, Mayor of Penzance.
“Everybody is saying how inspiring the Tennis Courts are looking – which is what you’d expect with a surface colour of purple!”
Before:
Weeds growing on the old courts before the refurbishment works
Old and tatty nets
Alexandra Tennis Courts before refurbishment works
After:
New tennis court surfacing
New tennis court surfacing
Brand new nets at Alexandra Tennis Courts
Penzance Council are committed to improving local facilities so that everyone can use and enjoy them. As part of the refurbishment works, a new gate has been installed to give level access from the playpark, allowing wheelchair tennis players to also take advantage of the new courts.
“Without funding from Penzance Council this project would not have happened” said Councillor Jim McKenna, Cornwall Councillor for Penzance Promenade.
“The refurbishment was very much needed and following the recent international success of British tennis players Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie, I’m sure there will be huge demand for the courts. The fact that the facility remains free to use, ensures that the courts will be accessible to all, which is really important. Well done to everyone involved including contractors D.A. Giles – great job!”
Works will also continue over the coming months at the nearby playpark as new borders are planted and the last pieces of play equipment are installed.
“We have enjoyed working closely with Penzance Council and GPJ Consulting Engineers to deliver this project on time” said Lee Graham, Managing Director for D A Giles.
“The transformation is clear to see and the feedback from the public has been fantastic!”
The tennis courts belong to the whole community and now have a new lease of life – help us to look after them so they can be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.
Opening Times
Winter opening times: 8:30am – 5:30pm (1st October – 31st March)
Summer opening times: 8:00am – 9:00pm (1st April – 30th September)
More information
If you’d like more information about the Alexandra Playpark or Tennis Courts please contact us.
