The ACT Government has committed $8million to construct a new Gungahlin tennis facility in Gungahlin. Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT have both committed additional funding to a combined amount of $400,000 bringing the total project budget to $8.4million.

The project budget is $8.4million

The project scope will include:

• 10 full sized courts
• hot shot courts
• a hitting wall
• LED court lighting for night time use
• carparking
• a community sports pavilion

The preferred location of the new tennis facility is north of the Amaroo District Playing Fields between Horse Park Drive (to the east) and Jorgenson Street (to the west).

Yes, the project will be required to obtain all necessary planning approvals through the Environmental Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD).

During the planning approval process, the site will be re-zoned PRZ2 - Restricted Access Recreation Zone to facilitate the requirements of the new tennis facility. A technical amendment to the Territory Plan will also be required to lift the Future Urban Area zone that currently exists. This will provide the necessary flexibility to meet the current and future needs of Tennis ACT and its affiliated clubs. All elements of the planning approval process include a mandatory consultation period.

On the new community sports pavilion, a separate Development Application will be required and would again be subject to a statutory public notification period.

The primary user group will be Tennis ACT and its affiliated clubs.

Yes. Tennis ACT and its affiliated clubs will operate and maintain the facility and hiring arrangements will be put in place that will allow community use.

The public will still have access and be able to make use of the Amaroo District Playing Fields (to the south of the new facility) for recreational activities when the fields are not being formally used by sporting user groups.

Yes. Car parking will be considered as part of the design of the new facility. General parking (including disabled parking) will be analysed as the design is developed. The analysis will take into consideration parking requirements that will minimise the impact on parking in the adjacent Amaroo District Playing Fields.

While the new facility will generate additional traffic, the anticipated volumes will have minimal impact on the surrounding road network (including adjacent residential areas).

The tennis courts will have appropriate lighting to allow night time use. The anticipated lighting levels are not expected to impact nearby residents. The sportsground lighting systems will be designed and installed in accordance with all relevant Australian Standards with light spill (obtrusive light) minimised through the use of LED technology and light shrouds.

Unfortunately, some trees may need to be removed as part of the development. To offset the loss, a replanting program will be implemented that will see new trees planted as part of the project. Tree species and planting locations will be selected to ensure that they are consistent with the surrounding environment and that they don't adversely impact the facility in the future.

The timing of construction is unknown at this stage, however, advance notice will be provided once finding has been confirmed through the ACT Government budget process. With design funding already secured, the project will run to the following timeline:

• Planning approvals - mid 2022
• Design development - 2022
• Development application (new community sports pavilion) - late 2022
• Construction commence - TBC