BUDDING Andy Murrays will be able to enjoy improved facilities at a city tennis centre.

 

The city council and Glasgow Life are to instal five new synthetic grass tennis courts and refurbish the adjacent ageing pavilion in Queens's Park at a cost of £250,000..

The redevelopment of the tennis courts follows similar investment at Drumchapel Park and Knightswood Park in 2012, which delivered eight new all weather tennis courts.

Queen's Park is one of six sites across the city which is available for free public use.

It forms a key part of Glasgow Life's tennis development programme which aims to to increase the number of people taking up the sport.

News of the investment comes just two weeks before the Emirates Arena hosts the David Cup tie between Great Britain and the USA, with British Number 1 Andy Murray set to lead the home team.

Glasgow Life chairman Archie Graham, said: "Glasgow has shown a strong commitment to tennis over the years and this latest investment will deliver a further five top-class tennis courts in the city.

"Our development programme is making tennis more accessible and affordable in communities across Glasgow through the delivery of organised coaching sessions and Queen's Park is at the heart of this.

"The council has committed to providing free public access to tennis courts as we seek to encourage more people to become physically active and to inspire the players of the future.

"We know sport can change lives and we want to see a new generation of tennis players on the courts at Queen's Park and across the city. Who knows we may even find the next Andy Murray."

Community tennis programme operates at Scotstoun, Gorbals, Queen's Park, Kelvingrove, Drumchapel and Knightswood. Glasgow Life also work with existing tennis clubs to increase opportunities.

Glasgow Life provides 150 organised coaching sessions each week at sites across the city for all abilities.