North Geelong tennis centre, Centre Court, to close

Geelong’s only indoor tennis centre will close after decades in business.

Geelong’s only indoor tennis centre will close later this month, marking the end of an era for the Hicks family.

Centre Court Indoor Tennis, located in North Geelong, opened in 1989, with current owners David and Kathy Hicks taking over in 1994.

Both had successfully competed at Victorian championships and Mr Hicks had been coaching for a number of years.

Mr Hicks has now racked up 56 years of coaching, while their son Matt, an established tennis player, is the head coach.

Retiring owners David and Kathy Hicks at the centre. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Hicks family has fostered an inclusive environment, with patrons ranging from ages four to 90, and the centre hosting tennis for blind people and players in wheelchairs.

The centre, which has seven indoor courts and a cafe, offered coaching and court hire and hosted tournaments.

“We tried to keep it family-orientated, so when people walk in they get a good vibe,” Mrs Hicks said.

“A lot of people treated it like it’s a second home.”

Mr Hicks said the centre had seen multiple generations of families come through.

“We just hope people will continue to enjoy a game of tennis,” he said.

Mr and Mrs Hicks leased the building, which was sold, and Mr Hicks said was set to be used by an industrial business.

The pair, both 73, has decided to retire.

The final day people will be able to visit the courts will be September 24.

Mr and Mrs Hicks thanked people for their support over the years.

Originally published as North Geelong tennis centre, Centre Court, to close