New community tennis and padel centre near Fort Kinnaird moves step closer
‘potentially one of the biggest and most significant tennis and padel centres to be built in Scotland for many years’
A new community tennis and padel centre near Fort Kinnaird has moved a step closer with the formal submission of a planning application.
The state-of-the-art development includes eight indoor tennis courts, six outdoor tennis courts, six covered padel courts, a gym and café.
It is said to be the brainchild of Edinburgh resident and avid tennis player, Amy Lansdown, whose ambition is to create a venue that is accessible to all.
Documents submitted along with the application to Midlothian Council say the Lansdown Racket Centre at Whitehill Road, Millerhill, is designed to support year-round participation, coaching, fitness, social interaction and events for people of all ages and abilities, establishing a genuine community hub rather than a standalone sports facility.
And it plans to offer affordable access, high-quality coaching, school and community programmes, and targeted support for disadvantaged groups.
The centre aims to provide access to tennis and padel for local residents, while also creating a national-level venue for Scotland. The centre will be run on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus revenue reinvested directly into participation and outreach initiatives.
“Alongside broad community access, the centre will provide a pathway for developing local talent and will have the potential to host national and international tournaments, bringing economic benefits, volunteering opportunities and increased visibility to the area.”
A Proposal of Application Notice was submitted last year and public consultation events were held to explain the proposals.
The project has won the backing of leading Scottish Tennis and Padel players, including 31-times wheelchair tennis Grand Slam champion Gordon Reid; ATP Pro and GB Davis Cup player, Jacob Fearnley; WTA Pro and GB Billie Jean King Cup player, Maia Lumsden; and leading Scottish Padel player, Sam Macneil.
Ms Lansdown said: “It is amazing to have the support of Gordon, Jacob, Maia and Sam. My vision is to introduce the sport to as many people as possible, breaking down financial barriers.
“Tennis and padel are not only great sports to play from a social, health and wellbeing perspective, but they also teach key life skills when taken up at a young age.
“It was great to hold three public consultation events in April, May and June which provided valuable feedback enabling us to develop and shape the design to ensure we create a truly inclusive, accessible and affordable centre that serves all, as well as seeing first-hand the strong support for the initiative.”
And Blane Dodds, chief executive of Tennis Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Amy on this incredible proposal. The centre would provide a significant facility for the local community while strengthening Scotland’s national tennis and padel infrastructure.
“Tennis Scotland are working with Amy and the team to help deliver her vision which aligns perfectly with our strategy. With tennis and padel thriving in Scotland, where more people are playing than ever before, there is a strong requirement for new indoor facilities.
“The centre will place community impact at its heart, whilst balancing first class tennis and padel events, as well as helping to nurture talented youngsters via player development programmes.
“This is potentially one of the biggest and most significant tennis and padel centres to be built in Scotland for many years and it is an exciting opportunity for Midlothian, the greater Edinburgh region and Scottish tennis.”