Construction of the LTA’s new National Tennis Centre officially began today, with LTA President Charles Trippe and Performance Director David Felgate undertaking the first earth dig of the project.

Located in Roehampton, the NTC will provide a single site of national focus for tennis in Great Britain in line with other leading tennis nations. The state-of-the-art facilities will give Britain’s young players the very best opportunity to realise their potential and compete on the world stage. It is expected that construction will be completed by the end of 2006.

The NTC, which is being funded by the LTA with support from The All England Ground Company plc, will consist of world-class facilities including 16 outdoor courts, covering all the Grand Slam surfaces, 6 indoor courts, a gymnasium and state of the art sports science and medical facilities. It will also house the administration of the LTA, ensuring a complete centre of excellence for British tennis.

John Crowther, Chief Executive of the LTA said: ‘The National Tennis Centre is the flagship of our performance plan. It will bring together the very best coaches and support for Britain’s top players and our most promising youngsters. We are delighted to have the backing of the Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn, and look forward to starting work on creating this world class facility.’

David Felgate, LTA Performance Director said: ‘The National Tennis Centre will make a huge difference. The LTA cannot make top 100 players, but we can ensure they have the very best opportunity to realise their talent. The National Tennis Centre will ensure we are able to offer them the very best in facilities, sports services and medical support, in the best environment.’

For more details contact:

LTA Head Office
Tel. +44 20 7381 7000
Fax.+44 20 7381 5965