Maidstone Lawn Tennis Club opened their new clubhouse on Saturday.

At 475sq ft, it’s more than 50 per cent larger than the building it replaces.

Project manager Nick Yandle said: “The old clubhouse had served the club extremely well for over 30 years. However, it was past its best.

“We therefore designed a new facility that is larger, sits well in its setting, incorporates access and facilities for the disabled, and is made of low maintenance sustainable materials.

“The new clubhouse will provide modern, flexible facilities for the growing membership of all ages for many years to come.”

Maidstone LTC co-chairman Richard Dawson said: “The project has given us an opportunity to future proof the club, increase our appeal and help serve the local community as a sports hub for all ages and abilities.

“We are immensely lucky to have had funding and support from such a large pool of incredibly skilled and highly efficient people who have put their passion into creating a clubhouse for our future.”

Plans for a big open day had to be scaled back, due to Covid restrictions.

Instead, about 20 people attended, including John Ratcliffe, of the Kent LTA, who opened the new clubhouse.

He said: “I can see that for generations to come, this club will be able to deliver top standard tennis facilities for the whole community.”

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