PLTC- Replacement of blaes courts.
A lot of work has been going on in the background in connection with the replacement of the blaes courts. I felt that it was time to give members an update on progress to date.
The project is to replace the courts with an all-weather surface; in order to resolve current problems with constant rain flooding. A group travelled to Edinburgh to play at four clubs, each using different surfaces: Colinton - Sand filled artificial grass, Grange - another type of artificial grass, St. Serfs – Polymeric, Musselburgh - Artificial Clay. After considering several factors it has been proposed that we should recommend Artificial Clay as the replacement surface. This has also been decided after researching trends amongst clubs throughout the UK, many of whom are choosing this surface. It is a “carpet” surface (it is actually a monofilament yarn) filled with red ceramic quartz crystals. There are two major products to choose from, each with different characteristics - LANO Grand Clay 12 and EDEL Advantage Red Court. The former is probably the favourite and you can see details here:
http://www.lanosports.com/en/products/productoverview/sport/tennis/c-81
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG_KeSDZSO0
Marc Kinsey has recommended a slow surface for coaching etc., and these products are rated ITF category 1-slow. It is also a surface that is kind on legs and knees, with some sliding ability, which will be good for the older and less mobile players. The surface requires “matting”, as we do at the moment, and some professional maintenance on, probably, a quarterly basis.
The project includes, first of all, laying a new tarmacadam base, on to which the artificial clay surface is laid. We have budgeted for new LED floodlighting for the 3 courts. This lighting is brand new technology, which has lamps guaranteed for 10 years and has substantially lower running costs than conventional lighting. We have also budgeted for replacement fencing, removal of trees, etc. Finally, we are drawing up plans to install a ramp access for disabled people, wheelchair users etc. This also improves our presentations to the LTA and funders.
The total project is budgeted at up to £200,000. Applications are already prepared for submission to – Sport Scotland, Tennis Scotland, LTA and several local sources such as the Landfill Community Project, LIVE Borders, SBC etc. As you can imagine, the applications to these funds are extremely complex and has involved a lot of preparation work. As well as individual fund application documents, we have had to prepare a detailed Business Plan, Tennis Development Plan, Child Protection Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy, drawings etc. It is hoped that we will receive a positive feedback from the funds to enable us to proceed to the next stage of obtaining planning permission, producing detailed specifications and obtaining 3 tenders from contractors.
If all goes well, work could commence during the winter months (subject to weather), therefore we are hopeful that an official opening could be planned for the spring 2017.
Produced for the sub-committee by Gordon Russell. Main sub-committee contributors - Graham Kirkpatrick, Gordon MacLean, Marc Kinsey , Adrian Moir and a lot of help with financial work from Carol Gray. Any queries/questions feel free to contact me at gordon@gordonrussell.net.