A new four-court indoor tennis centre costing almost £1 million could be built in Deal by the middle of next year.

The scheme has been approved by the district council’s cabinet as part of a commitment to regenerate the area.

Cabinet member Cllr Nigel Collor said: “This new tennis centre would help us to increase participation levels in sport and provide a permanent centre for those seeking to achieve excellence in this sport.”

Proposals are for a permanent building next to Tides Leisure Pool, which is managed by Vista Leisure.

The scheme is subject to design and tendering processes and the granting of planning permission, as well as a successful application for funding from the Tennis Foundation.

Money would come from a number of sources including the insurance settlement from the old tennis centre, known as “the bubble”, which was destroyed in gales in 2007.

A £400,000 grant from the Tennis Foundation has been offered in principle and the council is also applying for a loan from them.

It is hoped that the new permanent building will be open to the public by the middle of 2010.

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