DOWNSHIRE TENNIS CLUB LAUNCH DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 4 NEW COURTS

Downshire Tennis Club was formed in 1939 at the current premises in Park Street, Hillsborough. The club has always made a significant contribution to the village community and in recent times has made progress in improved facilities, increased number of members playing, enhanced club programmes particularly for the youth of the village. A strong coaching programme with the employment of a professional coach has resulted in improved standards with players from age 8 to over 70 representing both Ulster and Ireland.

The club has recognised the need to develop their facilities for the community and over the past few years several attempts have been made to purchase adjacent ground. These would include the local council offices and land from the forestry service, both of which proved unsuccessful due to the historic nature of our site. The club are now in negotiations with the Marquis of Downshire to lease ground on the Old Coach Road, which is currently used for recreational purposes. This would allow the club to remain at their existing premises and have the other facilities as an out centre.

In 1993 the club had 2 concrete courts and 3 teams with existing members doing volunteer coaching for the youth of the village. There were approximately 100 members. Today they have approximately 500 members on 3 courts, which is totally unsuitable to allow for future needs. The current coaching programme caters for approximately 200 members of all ages and abilities.

The leadership of the club and support of our members has created this dynamic improvement which was highlighted with the club winning the Eagle Star Tennis Club of the year in 2004. At this stage the club will be seeking permission to develop 4 new courts, which will have a seasonal cover.

The project will cost in excess of £600,000 and will be subject to ongoing members and local community support, planning approval, lottery funding and an agreement being reached with the Marquis of Downshire. A landscape architect has been appointed to look after the environmental issues and to provide adequate screening for the site.

The new facilities will augment the existing Park Street premises and will enable them to accommodate the demand for this popular sport and leisure pursuit. The ethos of the club is to welcome all members of the community by being open and friendly and to demonstrate that tennis is a sport for all ages and abilities.

The club will be seeking to improve in all areas and develop partnerships with local schools and the councils in order that the healthy sport can be developed to every ones benefit.

Two open evenings will be held on Monday 15th and Monday 22nd February to allow interested parties to see the proposed plans and to discuss any issues with members of the committee.