Workington Town Council announced funding for the project at Vulcan Park is being provided by the UK Government, the LTA Tennis Foundation’s Park Tennis Project, Cumberland Council, and their own budget.

Work is expected to start in February.

This initiative is part of a £30 million nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain.

The project aims to make the sport more accessible to a broader audience, including women, girls, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Thousands of park tennis courts, currently in poor or unplayable condition, are set for renovation work, and accessibility improvements.

The Vulcan Park tennis courts will be equipped with new gate-access technology and booking systems, allowing users to book the courts online or through the Workington Town Council offices.

Councillor Neil Schofield, the mayor of Workington, said: “What an exciting opportunity for the town.

“Many of our community still talk about the old tennis courts in the park and how they would like to see them reinstated; we are delighted that we are able to fulfil this wish for them.”

The space previously occupied by old tennis courts has recently been used for a mini tennis net, a panna court, and basketball hoops.

According to the council the equipment will be temporarily stored until new locations are identified.

Councillor Michael Heaslip, chair of the council’s environment committee, added: “The importance of physical activity is paramount to encouraging a healthy lifestyle and positive well-being.

“The tennis courts will provide a much-needed facility within our town to allow people to be active but also to enjoy the social and competitive aspect of sports.

“We are already in contact with local clubs and coaches and we are excited for what the future holds.”

Councillor Anne Quilter of Cumberland Council, portfolio holder for vibrant and healthy places, said: “Health and well-being are at the heart of everything we do and supporting the installation of new quality facilities is an important way to encourage our residents to get active.

“We are delighted to support this project and look forward to seeing the courts being used.”

The new courts are intended to serve as a space for physical activity for both children and adults.