New era starts at West Beach tennis courts

Canterbury City Council has chosen a leading local tennis operator to run the recently refurbished courts at West Beach in Whitstable.

Infinity Tennis is a well-established name in east Kent, running a similar site at Spencer Square in Ramsgate as well as tennis programmes in Herne Bay, Faversham, Margate and Broadstairs.

They were the strongest applicant among several high quality local and national operators who bid during the council’s tender process, which took place late last year.

Infinity Tennis will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the West Beach courts for at least the next six years, offering programmes for all ages and abilities and linking with a number of LTA programmes such as Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions and local tennis leagues.

They will also offer initiatives such as walking tennis, rusty rackets, holiday camps and other community coaching initiatives.

The courts will continue to be available to book via the LTA website at £7 per hour. Residents can also purchase an annual household pass, where a payment of £35 gives access to the courts for 12 months with no additional charge.

The council’s Cabinet member for open spaces, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “The tennis courts at West Beach are in excellent condition following their refurbishment and now we have a brilliant new operator to go with them.

“As expected there was a lot of interest in this opportunity, but Infinity Tennis stood out with their determination to offer a truly inclusive service and to be at the heart of the community in Whitstable.

“We are very pleased to have them on board and are looking forward to a fantastic few years of tennis at these lovely courts right on the seafront.”

Founder of Infinity Tennis, Gavid Vickers, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the tender for West Beach tennis courts in Whitstable and cannot wait to get started. Our focus is on bringing passion, energy, and a commitment to ensuring these courts serve the entire community.

“We’re excited to work closely with the players already enjoying the courts, listening to their needs and building on their enthusiasm, while also creating new opportunities for others to get involved.

“Our mission is to make tennis accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone, transforming the courts into a vibrant hub for all ages and abilities.”

The courts were officially reopened in September following investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation’s Park Tennis Project along with the council.

LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd, said: “We are excited to see the newly refurbished courts being activated in 2025 by the new operator Infinity Tennis. Our aim as the LTA is to provide people with opportunities to pick up racket and enjoy playing tennis.

“Thanks to this project the sport will be opened up to more players for years to come and will continue to build a thriving tennis community.”

For anyone passionate about tennis and who are eager to contribute to the local community, there is also an opportunity to become an activator.

These volunteers work together to plan and lead fun activities on court as well as collaborating with venues and operators to help more people get active and enjoy tennis, with free weekly sessions.

Find out more or sign up to the Activator Training Programme on the LTA website.

Published: 16 January 2025