Action illuminated at tennis centre

THE future of sport at Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre just got even brighter with the official launch of the facility’s new court lighting.

Twenty-six light towers are now operational and illuminating the centre’s 18 full-sized courts in the darker periods of the day.

They have been funded with more than $1 million from the State’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, nearly $115,000 from the City, and $13,000 from the centre.

Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre manager Rob Benoit said the new lights will support the club to continue to run competitions every night of the week.

“Ballarat tennis is played seven days a week, all year round… and hopefully it’s now bigger and better than ever,” he said.

Six smaller kids’ Hot Shots tennis courts are currently under construction on site, and are expected to be finished in spring.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the new lighting, and the new courts, are a “game changer.”

“They will go a long way to supporting the growing numbers of juniors and seniors keen to have a hit,” she said.

“The centre upgrades add a whole new dimension and give the club a chance to ramp up its junior development programs, as well as attract more senior tournaments.”

Cr Peter Eddy said development of the centre opens opportunities for Ballarat to host more major sporting events.