News / Sea Mills
Blighted £115,000 tennis courts could finally open
Two tennis courts that have lain empty since their refurbishment in May 2024 could finally open to the public.
Located at Dingle Close in Sea Mills, the site had previously been unmaintained and effectively derelict for over a decade.
Despite just a single net and weeds breaking through the surface, it was still a community resource of sorts: children used the area to ride bikes or play football and a few brave souls attempted something resembling tennis.
The 2024 revamp, which was met with joy by locals, cost £115,000 and was funded by the Lawn Tennis Association and Bristol City Council.
After a ‘blink and you’d miss it’ opening by parks operator Wesport in the same year, the site closed again and was handed back to Bristol City Council.
The weeds quickly returned to the new surface and the courts have remained closed ever since.
Councillor for Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze Stephen Williams has confirmed final works are due to take place.
The Dingle Close tennis courts prior to their £115,000 refurbishment were a sorry sight
Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee, said: “Unfortunately, repairs to the tennis courts at Dingle Close have taken longer than expected due to persistent issues with weeds damaging the tarmac playing surface.
“However, we have been working closely with the Lawn Tennis Association and our contractor to implement a robust, long-term treatment plan to eradicate the weeds.
“Final works for the project are scheduled to begin in January.
“Once completed, the courts will be handed over to the park’s tennis operator who will manage them for public use.”
The enclosure currently looks in better condition as the weeds have been treated but it is obvious where the tarmac has been flattened and repainted.
Marks where weeds have been removed and the surface repaired are clearly visible
The area will ultimately be operated by Wesport, which manages tennis courts in several other Bristol parks including Canford Park and Eastville Park on behalf of the council.
The sport trust will have a contract to operate the Sea Mills site until February 2027.
Annual household membership allowing users to book up to four sessions a week will cost £35 while one-off sessions without membership will cost £5.
Mary Milton is reporting on Sea Mills as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbets Trust.
All photos: Mary Milton
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