Master Plan & Plexicushion Courts

 Master Plan and Plexicushion Group Kick-off 10 Mar 2010

Fred Caterson New Plexicushion courts draft plan

The new Plexicushion courts proposed for CTC have now progressed to the point where a draft layout has been prepared by the sub-committee, and prior to preparing our Development Application to The Hills Shire Council we invite all HDTA club members to comment and provide feedback on the scheme. 

The project is being closely monitored by TennisNSW and reflects the 'state of the art' requirements of a modern regional tennis facility. 

The project, for budgetary reasons, is divided into four stages, with each stage proceeding according to available funding. 

Stage 1: is the construction of the two Plexicushion courts. Features of this draft scheme include: 

· The courts are orientated on a north-south axis (ie as per the bottom courts 7 to 10), acting upon the valued advice received from Neil Smith, the other CTC coaches and TNSW. 

· The court dimensions are of 'Championship' size, with more back-court than the existing CTC courts. This will allow the Association to conduct tournaments of a regional status as well as catering to disabled athletes.   

· The level (RL) of the new courts closely approximates the existing grassed area adjacent to court 5 and 6. 

· The location and size of the two new Plexicushion courts means that the existing vehicle access road to the upper carpark will need to be moved to be closer to the Gilbert Road alignment. Given that the sharp and un-sighted 'dog-leg' of the existing road will be eliminated this is a desirable outcome in terms of vehicle access and pedestrian safety. The existing disabled/service access ramp will be relocated to be closer to the existing retaining wall that is adjacent to the rear of the club house, to exit at the same level as the existing BBQ area. 

· The eucalypt tree adjoining Court 5 will be removed. New soft landscaping and planting will be provided to screen the courts from both Gilbert Road and the realigned access road. 

· Covered seats and shelters will be constructed to the southern and eastern sides of the new courts. 

· Stage 1 is currently before Council as a draft and informal presentation. Upon receiving Council's initial comments and the Association preparing some required financial information that supports the proposal, the works sub-committee intends to submit a Development Application for the court construction; we anticipate that this may be within the next 4 weeks.

Stage 2: comprises the refurbishment of the existing club house/pro shop. It may include access directly to the upper level from the carpark area, as well as a more public presentation of the Pro Shop to Showground/Gilbert Road to assist with capturing passing trade.  

Stage 3: the triangular area at the northern end of the new courts will accommodate a new open-tiered seating structure, with storage space under. 

Stage 4: consists of formalising and sealing the upper carpark. 

Obviously Stage 1 is the major and immediate priority of the Association, and the sub-committie is working towards this work to be substantially complete within the current calendar year. To this end and to further assist us in realising the goals of the Assocation we invite all members with an interest in progressing tennis in the Hills to comment on the proposal. We welcome your input! 

admin@hdta.org.au

Members of Project team