Issue details

Kirklees Council secured £206,426.94 of external investment through the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Parks Tennis Investment Scheme to refurbish 19 tennis courts across Greenhead Park, Wilton Park, Crow Nest Park and Firth Park. The refurbishment works have been completed and the facilities are operational.

Throughout the development of the project, the Council progressed on the basis of a £5 per court per hour charging model. Detailed modelling undertaken by the LTA assessed charging levels of £3, £4 and £5, with only the £5 option demonstrating a financially sustainable long-term position capable of creating a maintenance sinking fund to support future maintenance obligations.

The £5 charge formed part of the approved business case, Delegated Decision Notice, funding agreement and subsequent operator procurement process. A Delegated Decision Notice published on 14 August 2024 specifically approved a move from the previous £7 charge to a £5 charge based on LTA participation and income modelling.

This decision is required to formally implement the approved charging model and ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities whilst protecting the Council's obligations under the LTA investment agreement.