Blaenavon nets a win with new sports courts

Posted on: Thursday 3 October 2024
tennis courts

Disused tennis courts in Blaenavon are set to be transformed into a new all-purpose sports facility.

The soon to be refurbished tennis court on Middle Coedcae Road will be upgraded to a multi-use games area suitable for tennis, basketball, and netball.

It comes in response to a growing demand for basketball and netball in the area, highlighted by a school-wide sports survey and echoed by the Blaenavon community.

The project is funded by £102,000 from the Sports Wales Court Collaboration Fund, with an additional £15,235 from Section 106 monies – a contribution from developers as part of planning agreements.

The new multi-games area will feature a gated technology system, allowing users to book the courts online through the Tennis Wales Club Spark system.

It is hoped that this approach will not only enhance the user experience but will also help to secure the courts from anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Construction is scheduled to begin mid-October, with an expected completion date by the end of November.

The school sports survey, carried out by Torfaen Council’s Sports Development team, found that 43% of young people expressed a desire for increased basketball facilities throughout the borough.

Holly Hinchey, Torfaen Sports Development Officer, said: “We’ve always known there has been an appetite for basketball in Torfaen but we needed more evidence to push it forward.

"The school sport survey gave a voice to that need and has allowed us to pilot sessions, create a club and develop new facilities to allow us to support the growth of one of Wales' fastest growing sports, we look forward to watching it develop.”

Once the courts have been completed, the council’s sports development team hopes to be able to offer basketball, netball, and tennis training sessions.

Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Communities, Cllr Fiona Cross, said: "As part of our County Plan well-being objectives, the council is dedicated to promoting sports and physical activity within the community by engaging more people in healthy activities and expanding opportunities for participation.

"The vocal and instrumental support from the local community has been crucial in pushing this development forward. I look forward to the positive impact this enhanced sports facility will have for the local community to enjoy."

This new development follows the recent refurbishment of courts in Cwmbran Park and Pontypool Park, which received a combined £220,000 from the Lawn Tennis Association, Sport Wales, Torfaen Council, and Section 106 funds. 

For more information about sports and recreational activities taking place in Blaenavon, contact Torfaen Sports Development Team on 01633 628936 or email sportsdevelopment@torfaen.gov.uk

Last Modified: 03/10/2024 Back to top