Inclusive indoor tennis facility coming to Dumfries
Ownership will be passed to community partner Queen of the South Trust this month.
Communities all across Dumfries and Galloway will have an input on the operations and development of the new regional tennis centre.
Dumfries and Galloway Council chiefs have this week given assurances that, while the new indoor tennis centre is located in Dumfries, it will be fully inclusive to tennis lovers from different corners of the region.
The keys to the new £2.3m centre at the King George V Sports Complex are set to be handed over to the council’s community partner, Queen of the South Trust, this month.
However, the formal launch of the new facility won’t take place until January 2026.
The matter was discussed at the council’s education, skills, and community wellbeing committee on Tuesday.
Abbey Councillor Davie Stitt said: “When we get this indoor regional tennis centre up and running, are there going to be representations from the four areas – Wigtownshire, the Stewartry, Nithsdale, and Annandale and Eskdale – so that every area is represented on a committee?
“I think it’s important we don’t miss out any persons within the area because it is a whole Dumfries and Galloway project.”
Lee Seton, the council’s leisure, culture and wellbeing manager, replied: “Yes, so we have a D&G Tennis group that the late Keith Thom used to chair, and it really pushed forward this idea of the tennis centre.
“My staff, together with the community operator, are in contact with that D&G Tennis forum to look at the best development opportunities for across the region.
“So very much I see that being something that we want to encourage.”
He explained that the facility will be handed over from contractors at the end of this month, and added: “December will then be a test period when we can invite some school activity, and some club activity with a formal launch in January.”
The modern indoor tennis facility will be opened with a commemorative plaque marking the work Mr Thom did to help make it a reality.
Keith Thom, who died last year, was a former Chair of Stewartry Sports Council, Dalbeattie Tennis Club, and an ambassador for the Dan Maskell Trust.
The King George V Sports Complex site is owned by Dumfries and Galloway Council but is managed and operated by community partner, Queen of the South Trust.
Construction work began last year on removing the run-down outside courts and for the site to be redeveloped with three new indoor tennis courts with a fabric roof above.
The development will also comprise a link building with new toilet facilities, a changing area, and an office for coaches, all of which connect the new tennis courts to the existing pavilion.
Tennis Scotland provided nearly £1.7m funding towards the £2.3m costs, with the council contributing £471,000, and the Hollywood Trust adding a further £200,000.