The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has officially announced a substantial pledge of £5m towards the establishment of a community tennis and sports centre at Park of Keir near Dunblane. This ambitious project, led by Judy Murray, encompasses plans for a multi-sport facility that will include outdoor tennis and padel courts, as well as indoor tennis and pickleball courts.
In addition to providing top-tier sports facilities, the centre aims to pay tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the Murray family and their invaluable contributions to the world of tennis in Scotland and Britain.
It is worth noting, however, that the project is currently facing opposition from local activists who argue that it should not be developed on green belt land. Despite this, the LTA remains confident that the centre will serve as a focal point for competition and player training, as well as support Judy Murray’s initiatives to encourage greater participation in sports and nurture a talented team of community coaches.
Judy Murray has expressed her satisfaction at the LTA’s commitment, describing it as a significant investment in Scottish tennis and community sports. She has underscored the collaborative nature of their partnership with the LTA and has expressed hope for support from other key stakeholders in realizing this important and exciting initiative.
One of the prominent opponents of the project is Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Mark Ruskell, who argues that although there is no doubt about the importance of an Andy Murray legacy, he believes that constructing a private tennis resort on protected green belt land is not the most effective means of achieving this objective. Nonetheless, the Scottish government has granted planning permission in principle for the centre, following an appeal by the developers.
In response to this development, former world number one tennis player Billie Jean King has voiced her support for the project, highlighting the value of establishing a base in Scotland for Andy, Jamie, and Judy Murray to impart their expertise and nurture the next generation of coaches and players.
Scott Lloyd, the LTA’s chief executive, has also lauded the Murray family for their significant contributions to tennis in Scotland and across Britain, and has expressed the organization’s pride in supporting a project that will not only deliver a tennis centre of national significance but also provide a vital community facility for the people of Scotland.
In conclusion, the proposed community tennis and sports centre at Park of Keir represents a promising initiative that aims to amplify the impact of the Murray family’s legacy and promote greater access to sports for the community. With the support of the LTA and other stakeholders, this project has the potential to make a lasting and positive impression on the world of tennis in Scotland and beyond.