Ken Rosewall and Geoff Masters were among the tennis dignitaries to formally open the 10-court, $1.3 million dollar redevelopment of the Queens Park Tennis Centre in Southport on Friday.
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the court’s refurbishment.
“The Queens Park courts have been the heartbeat of tennis on the Gold Coast for decades,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“They have helped shape the tennis careers of young professionals and given people of all ages a place to enjoy competitive sport and the social benefits that brings.
“Queens Park with its refurbished courts is ready to deliver the next generation of tennis champions.
“These are international standard courts, including two show courts been built to attract large scale tournaments to the Gold Coast.
“Queens Park could become a launch court for an aspiring young athlete with dreams of playing in front of a home crowd at a possible Queensland 2023 Games.
“What is certain is the refurbishment will make playing at the famous courts more enjoyable for both social players and the potential grand slam stars of tomorrow.
“Queens Park is an investment in major job supporting events and the Gold Coast’s COVID-19 economic recovery.”
The Queensland Government contributed $150,000 to the project.
A decade in the making, Tennis Gold Coast (TGC) sourced funding from all levels of government and Tennis Australia for the redevelopment.
Total contributions:
Queensland Government – Get Playing Grant $150,000
City of Gold Coast – Developer Funds $530,000
Federal Government – SportAus Grant $148,900
Tennis Australia – National Court Rebate $150,000
Mike Ford, President of TGC said local Gold Coast fixture and tournament players would see a stunning transformation.
“The lighting is now world class and there’s never a better time to play tennis on the Gold Coast regardless of your standard,” Mr Ford said.
Tennis Queensland CEO, Mark Handley congratulated everyone involved in transforming Queens Park Tennis centre into an international standard tennis facility.
“This project has taken a monumental amount of effort and persistence,” Mr Handley said.
“The new courts are stunning and a credit to the many people and organisations who had the vision and energy to deliver it.
“Queensland and the Gold Coast can boast yet another international standard sporting facility with the capacity to attract players from around the world while offering local players the very best experience in our great sport.”