Gawler tennis complex to get $1.8 upgrade, with new courts, in plan

A huge proposed upgrade to a tennis HQ north of Adelaide is hoped to bring in new players and tournaments.

Tennis courts at Gawler & District Tennis Association at Gawler. Picture: Supplied

A $1.8m revamp for an outdoor sports grounds in Adelaide’s north is a step closer to creating a huge new regional tennis hub and attract more players and tournaments.

A proposed redevelopment of the Gawler & District Tennis Association’s complex on Victoria Tce at Gawler would feature two new tennis courts, resurfacing for ten existing courts, fixes for fencing and court nets, shade clothes and LED lighting.

The irrigation system would also be fixed and replaced, and three trees would be removed.

Association president Damian McGee said he hoped for a huge surge in players once the complex was finished, with up to 40 per cent new players within the first 12 to 18 months.

“We’ve already seen growing interest throughout the planning phase, and now with a facility that meets modern standards, we’re confident this momentum will accelerate,” Mr McGee said.

Tennis courts at Gawler & District Tennis Association at Gawler. Picture: Supplied

“The new courts will not only be more inviting but also enable us to run more programs, host more tournaments, and provide a better experience for both new and returning players.”

Mr McGee said the “game-changing” project will provide “safe, modern, and professional-standard courts” for players of all ages and skill levels.

“The new court facilities position us as a hub for regional tennis in South Australia,” he said.

“We can now host higher-level competitions, offer expanded junior development programs, and attract more community events and tournaments.

“This will also allow for greater court availability year-round, encouraging increased participation and making tennis more accessible to everyone in our community”.

Gawler Council CEO Chris Cowley said the development would help achieve goals outlined in the council’s Essex Park & Gawler Showgrounds Masterplan.

“The court redevelopment is needed to provide a high-quality regional tennis facility to cater not only for current participants, but also for the significant growth projected for Gawler and the region,” Mr Cowley said.

“While the masterplan focused on both a short-term and long-term redevelopment, this stage has been designed to respond to immediate community needs and funding opportunities.

“The current works lay important groundwork for future improvements, which include potential upgrades to the Gawler District Tennis Association clubrooms, the construction of a new car park area, and the delivery of a community court.”

Public consultation closes on Wednesday June 4.

Originally published as Gawler tennis complex to get $1.8 upgrade, with new courts, in plan