Treloar Park Tennis Centre in Tamworth is undergoing a $3.6 million redevelopment that will feature 13 tennis courts, nine of those at an international standard.
The funding was approved initially in 2019; however, delays due to COVID-19 impacted the works beginning.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was on-site with Mayor Russell Webb and Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, to turn the sod.
One of the two courts at this standard, Mr Joyce, hopes to help grow future tennis pros right here in Tamworth.
"This is incredibly important, and what it does shows that for our region, we have one [international standard courts] in Tweeds and one here and that's it. It goes to show you where we are taking Tamworth and Tennis." Said, Mr Joyce
Wests Entertainment Group will manage the clubhouse, announcing it will be a 'family friendly' location and that gaming machines will not be at the venue.
The redevelopment includes extending the balcony and installing a café for parents and locals to enjoy their game of tennis in the outdoor dining facility.
Northwest head coach Jared Campbell reassures that the costs to use the tennis club will not go up significantly, if at all.
"The prices won't change. And if they do, they'll be very small changes and incremental as time goes by as everything does. But at this stage now, we're not looking to move prices on our products." Mr Campbell confirms.
The project is expected to be finished by early 2023.