Planning application submitted for Community Sports Hub – during Wimbledon fortnight

Date published: 5th July 2018

Plans for a £3.2m Community Sports Hub in Cromer have been submitted as the country enjoys the first week of Wimbledon fortnight.

The project is being developed in conjunction with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Cromer Academy, whose students will directly benefit from the new facilities. The facility will provide better access to high quality tennis and benefit all ages, with a wider plan to double participation for young people in North Norfolk and beyond.

Following positive community feedback to a public consultation held in the town in April, asking for views on the project, the planning application has been lodged by Saunders Boston Architects on behalf of North Norfolk District Council.

It will be considered at a meeting of NNDC’s Development Committee later in the year.

The plan will provide the only indoor tennis facility in the district and build on the reputation of some of the finest grass courts in the UK at the adjacent facility owned by the council and managed by the Cromer Lawn Tennis and Squash Association.

The purpose-built centre includes three indoor tennis courts, along with a 25 station gym with an area for free weights and associated facilities, and a versatile space for fitness classes, social activities and meetings.

People will now be able to respond to the planning application, which will be registered and placed on NNDC’s website in the next few days.

In addition to the main facility, the Council is seeking to provide additional improvements to other tennis facilities in the district with a total cost of almost £3.2m. The financing model sees the council contributing 75% – around £2.4m – with a bid made to the Lawn Tennis Association to fund the remainder.

Subject to the LTA funding agreement, a land exchange with the Academy and planning approval, the new facility is planned to open by Summer 2019.

Transforming British Tennis Together is the largest and most exciting capital investment programme the LTA has ever undertaken. Read more here: https://www.lta.org.uk/venue-management/facilities-advice/#