Plans for New Norfolk Tennis Club to relocate

The Derwent Valley Council is in discussions with Tennis Tasmania and the New Norfolk Tennis Club regarding selling its land in Third Avenue to relocate to the New Norfolk "Sports" Centre in Derwent Terrace.

Stage one of the project involves potentially building two new tennis courts on council-owned land nearby at the sports centre, with proceeds from the existing club's land sale used to fund the new facilities.

Tennis Tasmania has advised that potential "relocation would allow the local tennis club to grow and deliver a broader range of tennis and associated community participation opportunities".

Part of the existing council-owned open land near the New Norfolk Sports Centre is also currently being used to build a new play space for children in the northern area of New Norfolk.

Tennis Tasmania will continue communicating with Council and the New Norfolk Tennis Club to provide advice, while also noting the significant growth in interest in ‘Pickleball’ and Basketball and the lack of local courts and opportunities for people to play. 

Council officers have identified clubhouse and court issues at the existing location, and they've also had to complete works relating to upgrading security and water quality.

The final design of the potential new site will be looked at with consideration to location and orientation of the courts, lighting and impacts on surrounding properties, access and parking, fencing and associated infrastructure, accessibility and inclusion, interaction with existing Sports Centre users, clubhouse, amenities and storage requirements, drainage and site conditions, planning, project costs and funding and opportunities for future expansion.

It's been stated there will be no interruptions for the New Norfolk Tennis Club and its members should the existing site and land be sold.

Council said, "We will provide continuity for the New Norfolk Tennis Club and its members and avoid a period where tennis activities can't be accommodated due to any transition between sites".

Council is also asking for community feedback on the proposed sale of the land in Third Avenue and has also stated that no final decision will be made until after elections in October.

Council said, "A report will be prepared and presented to Council outlining the submissions received and relevant project considerations which will then allow the newly elected Council, to make the final decision regarding the proposed sale and future development of the new tennis facilities"