Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Proposals served up for new tennis clubhouse
PLANS for the final phase of a £550,000 tennis development in Perthshire have been lodged.
Members of Blairgowrie Tennis Club are already playing on stateof-the-art floodlit courts, and proposals have now been unveiled for a new clubhouse.
If given the green light by Perth and Kinross Council, work at John Johnston Coupar Recreation Park site could be completed by next summer.
The club aims to attract new players and wants to create a car park along with a terrace, steps and access ramps.
Planning approval was previously granted for the five all-weather tennis courts at the site.
Susan Whiteford, vice-president of Blairgowrie Tennis Club, said the new facilities would make a huge difference to the community.
“The new clubhouse will have a function room which will be available for the local community to hire for a variety of uses,” she said.
“The club intends to use the facility for the various social events it holds over the summer.
“This will be the first year that the club has been able to play through the winter, and have shelter when waiting for a game.
“We will also be able to hold functions through the darker nights.
“The club already has pre-school groups learning skills on the courts, and the clubhouse will be used when the weather doesn’t allow them to continue outdoors.”
She added: “The clubhouse building is estimated to cost between £150,000 and £200,000, and we hope it will be completed by next summer.
“This will be the final phase of the £550,000 development.
“We are currently playing on the five polymeric floodlit courts, which are providing a superb new sporting facility for the residents of Blairgowrie and surrounding area.”
The club previously had around 130 members, and is optimistic the new development will increase numbers.
Funding has been provided through various sources, including members and sportscotland.