Judy Murray tennis centre plans shelved
A project to build a £20 million tennis centre near Dunblane led by Sir Andy Murray's mother Judy has been shelved.
Last updated 27th Aug 2024
A project to build a £20 million tennis centre near Dunblane led by Sir Andy Murray's mother Judy has been shelved. A spokesperson for the Murray Play Foundation charity said the Park of Keir project was no longer viable in its current form.
A statement from the charity said "significant increases in construction, material, energy and labour costs, a lengthy and uncertain planning process, and protracted discussions with governing bodies" were among the factors behind the decision.
It was hoped the centre would serve as part of Sir Andy's legacy after its completion, by providing communities with greater access to sports.
Planning battle
Judy Murray won an eight-year planning battle to build the complex south of Dunblane at the end of 2021.
But the scheme continued to face opposition from local campaigners due to the site being located on green-belt land.
Sir Andy chose to end his Wimbledon career this year with a doubles appearance alongside his brother Jamie during the 2024 Championships.
The 37-year-old then played the final match of his career when he and Dan Evans were beaten in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men's doubles in Paris earlier this month.
Andy Murray's career in pictures
A young Andy Murray
A young Andy Murray with his Mum, Judy, preparing to join the tennis circuit.
Murray at the 2010 Australian Open
Murray reached his first Grand Slam final at the 2010 Australian Open but was defeated.
Murray at Wimbledon in 2012
Murray was emotional after losing his first Wimbledon final in 2012.
Murray wins gold at London 2012
Murray arrived back at the All England Tennis Club one month later, winning gold at London 2012.
Murray wins the 2012 US Open
Murray lifted his first Grand Slam later that year, winning the US Open.
Murray wins his first Wimbledon
Murray became the first British male player to win Wimbledon since 1936, beating Novak Djokovic in 2013.
The Murray Brothers
Andy and his brother, Jamie, were key for Great Britain as they won the 2015 Davis Cup.
World Number One
Murray reached first place in the world rankings in 2016 and stayed there for 41 weeks.
Murray wins Wimbledon again
Murray won his second Wimbledon title, and final Grand Slam, in 2016.
Murray in 2024
Murray waved goodbye to the Australian Open crowd after being knocked out in January 2024.
The Murray Play Foundation spokesperson said: "It is with deep regret and sorrow that we bring this project to an end and, with it, a unique opportunity for a sporting legacy from the careers of two young men from Dunblane who reached the top of their sport and inspired countless people to play the game.
"Judy has been involved in promoting sport and tennis her whole life. This not-for-profit project was an opportunity to build a base in Scotland that would have lasted beyond her lifetime and given the next generation greater opportunity to access courts, competition, and coaching.
"Over 12 years, Judy has invested significant time and encountered indifference and opposition for much of that period. However, she and her team persevered until several factors conspired to leave the project unviable in its current form and we no longer plan to seek a detailed planning consent on the site at Park of Keir.
READ MORE: Andy's farewell in Paris
"The Murray family is proud of what they have contributed to tennis in the UK and remain committed to growing the game and persuading governments, sports governing bodies and others of the significant health, social and economic benefits that flow from sustained investment in sport and physical activity.
"We will now take time to consider what other initiatives might be aligned to the purpose of our charity, which is essentially to provide more people - particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds - with the opportunity to pursue sport, fitness and physical activity."