IT WILL be game, set and match for two popular Basingstoke tennis centres when much-needed improvements are made with funding support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

New changing room facilities and two electronic shutters will help modernise the John Arlott Pavilion linked to the Basingstoke Indoor Tennis Centre, managed by Totally Tennis in War Memorial Park.

Funding has also been allocated for preliminary surveys into providing a major upgrade to tennis court facilities at Stratton Park in Kempshott.

Work at the John Arlott Pavilion, which provides the reception and changing facilities for the indoor and outdoor courts, will include up to six new shower cubicles in the male and female changing rooms and two electronic shutters. These will be funded by a grant of £26,939 from the council’s S106 developer contributions agreement.

Currently, the tennis centre at Eastrop has old shower facilities, but a new water heating system in the pavilion has paved the way for new, modern shower facilities to be installed.

At Stratton Park, the proposals include resurfacing of the six tennis courts, installing floodlights on two courts and the introduction of wi-fi remote access and an online booking system. The council agreed to provide £9,413.72 from the developer contribution scheme for the initial consultation and project planning. Local support for the improvements was given by the Friends of Stratton Park.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety Cllr Simon Bound said: “The council is pleased to provide funding for much-needed improvements to go ahead at these two tennis centres.

“Tennis is an excellent sport for all ages and the modernised facilities will offer opportunities for more activities, such as holiday courses and coaching. We hope this will encourage even more local people to pick up a tennis racquet and try the sport.”