Aldershot Tennis Centre Outdoor Courts get a Facelift

Originally constructed in 1997 and later resurfaced in 2012, the surface of the courts had become worn and broken up, displaying significant deterioration.

The reconstruction programme, which commenced in October 2021, and had a completion date set for the end of April 2022, experienced considerable challenges that threatened to extend the delivery timeframe.

However, pressure to deliver mounted as the Tennis Centre needed the courts to be ready ahead of the  International Tennis Tournament in April.

To allow the event take place, an initial five courts were completed to international standard and made available for the Tournament. The standard of the courts was so impressive that one of the players commented:

“What a fantastic venue for competitions. The courts are excellent, very grippy and perfect for players to master their technique. The courts are soft on the knees, and we feel good at the end of a long day’s play”.

Keith Carder, Head of Competitions for the Lawn Tennis Association also commented,

“The venue is now amongst the very best in the UK and the 10 new acrylic courts makes it an ideal venue for national and international competitions.”

The reconstruction of the remaining five courts was completed in May, and even more positive comments have followed.

Steve Matthews, Director of Laurus Sports Ltd – who manages the Aldershot Tennis Centre – commented:

” The new playing surface is magnificent, and the centre is now recognised as one of the best outdoor competition venues in the country”.

Nick Weal, Head of Performance Coach Education for Laurus Sports also commented,

“The new outdoor hard courts at Aldershot make the centre a brilliant venue for hosting National and International events at junior and pro level.  The courts are slow and high bouncing which make them ideal for player development. Pro players will love the courts as they would prepare them for the types of surfaces they have to play on overseas.”

Speaking further on the successful collaboration, coordination, and commitment from Aspire Defence Services Ltd (ADSL), MOD (Army Tennis) and Laurus Sports, that resulted in the successful delivery of this project, Mark Bassett, Project Manager for ADSL, said:

“This project had a few stakeholders who had considerable involvement from planning through to construction completion. Such high levels of participation can sometimes create challenges, but all parties worked well together with regular communications. Key milestones were achieved providing the customer with a facility of international standing.”

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