Game, Set, Match: Newly renovated Swanspool tennis courts handed over to Wellingborough Town Council

05 June 2025

Gary Cox – Quad Wheelchair Tennis Champion, Bolt (NN Leisure mascot), Mark Taylor – Northamptonshire LTA.

The tennis courts in Swanspool Gardens, Wellingborough, have been officially reopened following a significant refurbishment project aimed at revitalising local park tennis facilities.

An event to officially reopen the tennis courts took place on Saturday 24 May was attended by representatives from North Northamptonshire Council, the Lawn Tennis Association and Wellingborough Town Council.

The facilities at Swanspool have now been officially handed over to Wellingborough Town Council as part of a Community Asset Transfer. This transfer means that Wellingborough Town Council will now take over the day-to-day running of the site.

Ahead of the transfer, the two courts in Swanspool Gardens have undergone extensive improvements, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets, and a new gate-access technology and booking system.

The £70,000 renovation - funded by a £50,000 grant from the LTA Tennis Foundation and £20,000 from North Northamptonshire Council - is part of a nationwide initiative by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain.

This nationwide programme of investment is bringing thousands of existing park tennis courts, many in poor or unplayable condition, back to life for the benefit of communities across the country. It provides vital opportunities for children and adults to get active, while helping ensure these courts remain accessible and in excellent condition for years to come.

As part of the investment, Wellingborough Town Council and LTA will be working together to provide tennis activities, including Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions taking place during the summer. 

We are delighted to see the refurbished tennis courts in Swanspool Gardens officially reopened. This investment from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation ensures that these courts will be available for people to use for years to come.

We look forward to seeing the facilities flourish and develop, whilst providing accessible opportunities for the local community to get on court and enjoy tennis.
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive.

It is great to see the newly refurbished courts at Swanspool Gardens - the courts now look fantastic, are equipped with top-quality facilities and provide a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities to get active, connect with others, and enjoy the many benefits of sport - including significant physical and mental health benefits.

This project is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through collaboration. I’d like to thank the Lawn Tennis Association and the council’s Leisure Services team for helping to create facilities that are accessible and built to last and are now ready to be handed over to Wellingborough Town Council to run.Jane Bethea, North Northamptonshire Council’s Director of Public Health, Communities and Leisure.

We are thrilled to take on the management of these beautifully renovated tennis courts at Swanspool Gardens. This project represents a significant investment in our community's health and wellbeing, providing accessible, high-quality sporting facilities for residents of all ages and abilities.

The Town Council is committed to ensuring these courts become a vibrant hub for tennis in Wellingborough, encouraging more people to get active and enjoy this wonderful sport. We extend our sincere thanks to the LTA Tennis Foundation and North Northamptonshire Council for their generous funding and support in making this possible.

Mayor of Wellingborough, Councillor Raj Mishra.

The reopening event welcomed the local community to enjoy a variety of tennis sessions, encouraging residents of all ages to get active and involved. Chelveston’s three-time wheelchair tennis quad singles national champion, Gary Cox, led a special coaching session for both children and adults. His participation highlighted the inclusive nature of the sport and inspired attendees to pick up a racket.

Swanspool pavilion, gardens, and bowling green are now available to book through Wellingborough Town Council and the tennis courts are available to book online via the LTA website. The new booking system and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.

Please note: The Gardens will be closed for refurbishment from mid to late September and are expected to reopen in December. The tennis courts will remain open during this period.