Bendigo Tennis Academy Information

Financial assistance by the BTA enabled the City Council to extend the grass courts along the Park Rd. boundary so that 2 extra courts could be added to the existing 14. With a rapid growth in player numbers, BTA funds were also used to extend the original timber clubhouse. This clubhouse was later relocated to the Weeroona Oval area - where it now serves as a facility for hosting the Fire Brigade demonstrations. In 1972 the Kel Pell Pavilion was opened - again financed by the BTA. In the mid 1970's, after enduring the financial burden of the grass courts for many years, the Council finally decided to hand over the management of the courts to the BTA. During this period the BTA experienced phenomenal growth & with so many pennant players participating, many matches had to played on the courts of affiliated clubs as well as some sections having to play on a Sunday afternoon. During 1979-81 this pressure, caused the BTA & City Council to seriously investigate the development of a bigger centre. At the time, the surrounding municipalities of Strathfieldsaye, Huntly and the Borough of Eaglehawk - were all involved, in varying degrees, in site assessments for the building of a tennis complex. After a temporary [& most unsatisfactory] 2 year occupancy of a redeveloped asphalt area at Garden Gully [the present home of the Bendigo Hockey Assoc'n.], the BTA & the Bendigo City Council opted for building the Nolan St. complex - again, with the BTA contributing a significant part of the funds required.