Friends of Newlands Park

We have exciting news for the imminent renewal and upgrade of the tennis courts after the project was given the green light on 9 Mar 2023. Work on site started on May, 13 March for seven weeks.

When Friends of Newlands Park was first formed in 2020 the courts were voted the highest priority for infrastructure improvement. Our key objective was to identify how to retain the courts and find a way of funding their development, maintenance and future viability. 

Now, a £140,000 grant from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation’s Park Tennis Project is enabling a major refurbishment, including replacement of the blaes with hard courts, restoration of the fourth court, a new fence and security gate.

When refurbishment is complete, management of the site will be led by Newlands Community Tennis Centre (NPCTC), a newly formed, not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). The CIC’s board is currently made up of four FoNP committee members.

We have plans for a comprehensive, community tennis programme which will offer playing opportunities to all. We have already gained the support of Newlands Tennis Club, Western Tennis Club, Tennis Scotland, the LTA and other backers and are committed to further fundraising; this will ensure that we can offer the majority of our tennis sessions for free. Some degree of charging will be necessary, however, to ensure the project’s long-term viability

The new site will be fully accessible, including wheelchair access, and will provide year-round playing opportunities. We plan to work with local organisations and schools to ensure everyone can gain access to what will be a wonderful new facility.

We are currently working on a launch plan, with the courts likely to be ready and available in May. This plan will include details on the availability of free access, charged times and our community tennis programme.

On behalf of People Make Glasgow Communities, Glasgow City Council and the LTA, we apologise for the short notice of this announcement and for any inconvenience caused during construction. The main site access will be at Lubnaig Road, with all vehicle movements carefully supervised by the main contractor.

This is a big commitment from the agencies mentioned and a huge vote of confidence in the park, its users and its Friends group.

Soon we will be recruiting enthusiastic members to become part of our voluntary management team – to run and be part of growing NPCTC. We hope you will want to join with us in making this venture a success. Please contact us if you’d like to be involved.

All queries, expressions of interest and offers to assist, to friendsofnewlandspark@gmail.com