Major tennis facility slated for Geelong under state blueprint

A MAJOR tennis facility capable of supporting more than 30,000 players from across the southwest and hosting international events is slated to be built in Geelong under a new framework launched by Tennis Victoria.

Launched on Friday last week to coincide with the start of Australian Open, the Facilities Blueprint 2025-2029 aims to modernise and future-proof tennis infrastructure across the state and support long-term participation, competition, and community outcomes.

Victoria presently only has one Tier 2 Performance Hub, in the Melbourne suburb of Craigieburn, and the blueprint identifies Geelong, Mildura, Bendigo and Wodonga as the best locations to establish similar hubs and strengthen the statewide venue network.

The Tier 2 facilities serve as a hub for the community through to high-level events and competition, provides high quality coaching/pathways for the local area and region; and offer diverse community programming.

Such hubs will be equipped to host Tennis Australia- and International Tennis Federation (ITF)-endorsed events across all Grand Slam surfaces: hard court, clay and grass.

“Victoria typically stages 18 to 20 such events annually, with each Tier 2 Hub expected to secure a minimum allocation across a three-year cycle to justify venue investment and upgrades,” the blueprint states.

The finding supports the Barwon Tennis Strategy 2024-2034’s earmarking of Armstrong Creek as a priority site for a new performance venue, with the original Precinct Structure Plan suggesting two 18-court facilities.

“The lack of larger venues that typically provide a range of services, coupled with the significant growth in population and demand to play tennis means there is a strong business case for at least one significant venue to service future demand across the Greater Geelong region,” the blueprint states.

Under the blueprint, a Tier 2 hub in Geelong, described as the Geelong Regional Tennis Centre, would have at least eight ITF-approved courts of a Grand Slam surface plus two practice courts, 500 lux lighting, a pro shop, tournament office, universally designed and accessible clubhouse with kitchen and customer seating, as well as player change and shower amenities.

Preferred features include expanded tournament office and referee facilities, a larger clubhouse, increased spectator space and dedicated administration offices.

The blueprint states Tennis Victoria will work closely with the City of Greater Geelong to secure a Tier 2 hub within Amstrong Creek.

Tennis Victoria chief executive officer Kim Kachel said the blueprint was a critical tool to support sustainable growth and strong partnerships across the state.

“The Facilities Blueprint provides a clear, shared framework for how we plan, invest in and deliver tennis infrastructure across Victoria.

“It’s about creating inclusive, adaptable and sustainable venues that support participation, competition and strong community outcomes – now and into the future.

“By working together with councils and government, we can future-proof our facilities and ensure tennis continues to thrive in communities across Victoria.”

Building on the 2024 Facilities Framework, the blueprint reflects a shift toward more inclusive, adaptable, and resilient venues, while responding to key challenges facing the sector, including ageing infrastructure, climate-related risks, financial pressures and changing participation demands.