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TALKS are underway over a new long-term deal aimed at securing the future of international tennis at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park.
Eastbourne Borough Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) are discussing a new lease which could see the sporting body take over year-round operation of the tennis facilities.
Cabinet councillors have backed the negotiations, although no final agreement has yet been reached.
Under the proposals being discussed, the LTA would invest in improvements at the site and increase access to the courts outside the annual Eastbourne Open tournament.
Plans are expected to include new padel courts, greater use of the facilities by schools, community groups and local tennis clubs, as well as improvements for players, officials and spectators.
The Eastbourne Open attracts almost 50,000 spectators each year and, according to the council, contributes around £5 million to the local economy. International tennis has been staged in the town for more than 50 years.
Councillor Jenny Williams, the council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism and Place, said its priority was to safeguard the tournament while attracting investment and increasing community access to the facilities.
She said: “Of course, we also have a responsibility to ensure the most financially sustainable arrangements are in place for local taxpayers.
“I’m delighted that discussions with our partners at the LTA have been very positive and constructive, and we look forward to continuing those conversations over the weeks ahead.”
Chris Pollard, LTA Managing Director of Commercial and Operations, said the organisation remained committed to tennis at Devonshire Park.
He said: “We are excited by the opportunity to take on a new long-term lease of Devonshire Park, protecting the annual grass-court tournament for future generations of Eastbourne residents and delivering more year-round community access to the world-class tennis facilities.”
Cabinet’s approval allows negotiations to move to the next stage, including work on the detailed terms of the proposed lease and legal arrangements.
Any final agreement has yet to be confirmed.
