Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Tennis Court Management in Stockton-on-Tees

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report tennis court management in Stockton-on-Tees.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council owns and manages 11 public tennis courts, across 3 key locations. In partnership with Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) funding was received to upgrade Littleboy Park and install gate access systems across all sites with the main aim to improve access and long-term sustainability of local tennis facilities. A key funding condition from LTA was a court operator be appointed, We do Tennis (WDT) was appointed in 2023 and a pay-to-play model was piloted at Littleboy Park for a 2-year period. The Council had also been successful in accessing additional funding from LTA which had allowed the recent re-surfacing and upgrade of Ropner Park tennis courts.

The two-year WDT contract was due to expire in April 2025. A six-month extension was agreed to allow exploration of a new, collaborative Tees Valley Model, involving:

SBC, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland BC. This concession contract had expired, with the option of further extending the original contract for 2 months whilst decisions were considered and approvals were made moving.

It was proposed to extend the partnership with operator, We do Tennis, aligned to a regional Tees Valley model, which included extending the pay to play model across all 3 sites and  65/35% income split of all court related income.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The extended partnership with the operator, We Do Tennis, aligned with a Tees Valley regional model be continued.

2. A pay-to-play model be implemented across all 3 Parks Tennis sites to minimise financial risks and enable the longer-term sustainability of assets.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Partnering with We Do Tennis, as the operator, significantly reduces financial exposure by transferring operational responsibility, including all required maintenance, and supporting the creation of a long-term sinking fund for future refurbishment. Whilst the arrangement does not come without some risk, the partnership ensures high-quality, accessible tennis provision with minimal strain on council resources, and aligns with broader goals to promote health, community sport, and regional collaboration. The ongoing maintenance of these assets has proved to be challenging due to pressures on internal resources, and lack of specialised equipment. This resulted in the temporary closure of Ropner Park tennis courts, prior to the recent resurfacing.

The regeneration and management of our parks tennis courts is highlighted as a key recommendation and action with our current Stockton-on-Tees Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 19 December 2025