With approval for the latest development of Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club now complete, General Manger Gavin Sutcliffe discusses the next stages and the positive impact it will have on the club and the wider community.

It’s an exciting time for Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club after plans for our redevelopment were given the green light.

Since the presentation and publishing of our masterplan four years ago, the club has worked tirelessly to design a proposed site layout that best meets the strategic objectives of future development whilst ensuring the final design also meets planning application requirements identified during consultation.

This process has been extensive and has taken much time and resources to ensure it satisfies the numerous statutory consultees including the Environment Agency, Green Belt and Sport England.

Further consideration has also been required to meet changes in regulations associated with grass run-off areas from both professional tours (WTA and ATP).

But despite the challenges and obstacles, we are now delighted to report the realisation of the masterplan is step closer with phase one of the project beginning this  autumn.

With a long history, steeped in tradition, the club’s vision has always been to build on its reputation as one of the north of England’s most prestigious sporting venues and in my role as General Manager
I am incredibly proud to be helping take this club to the next level.

Progression with an eye on the future has always been our objective and the result is the thriving club we see today and with the support of the board, the members and volunteers, I am excited by what the next phase holds.

This exciting new chapter sets out a 3-5 year plan to futureproof both the club and tournament hosting and given its huge rise in popularity will see the arrival of four new padel courts – two covered and two non- covered.

In addition, the new works will see the restoration of the club’s existing six floodlight tennis courts, additional parking and layout, a new grass centre court, clubhouse enhancements and the introduction of outdoor social spaces.

Since the launch of the first Open Tournament in 2015, the club’s reputation has grown considerably and it now plays an increasingly active and important role within the community which has further influenced the need for this development.

The proposed layout not only futureproofs the hosting of the Lexus Ilkley Open but will provide the community with a first-class sporting facility that will meet the demands of an ever-growing membership.

We look forward to updating you throughout the process on what promises to be the start of an exciting future for the club, its members and the wider community.

THE FIVE CORE OBJECTIVES

• The future sustainability of the club.
• Member experience enhancement.
• Diversify the club’s appeal and userbase.
• Strengthen the role of ILTSC within the Ilkley and wider Bradford Community.
• Support ILTSC‘s ability to host International tournaments and the benefits that brings to the region.

If you have any feedback or questions, please email info@iltsc.co.uk