SMASH-HIT tennis organisers have secured a bumper £200,000 to develop their facilities after taking on the running of the courts in Irvine’s Thornhouse Avenue.

Irvine Tennis Club asked for funding to develop the sporting centre which North Ayrshire Council cabinet recently approved as a community asset transfer.

And they have been given a double boost, with the council awarding them £100,000 and sportscotland agreeing to match this total.

Their aim is to provide all members of the local community with the opportunity to play tennis in a safe and inclusive environment.

They say the courts must be upgraded to put Irvine on a par with other facilities and to ensure that Irvine Tennis Club can achieve its aim of bringing the sport to all.

The funding would be used to contribute to a major regeneration project, including a new playing surface, club facilities and lighting costing £275,000. This will help ensure children and young people become engaged in the game.

READ MORE: Plans revealed to modernise and improve Irvine tennis courts

The Times revealed on Wednesday that a formal planning application has been lodged with North Ayrshire Council to modernise and improve the tennis courts and build a new clubhouse.

A design statement accompanying the application said: "[Irvine Tennis Community Group] are looking to bring forward the modernisation and improvement of this greatly underused tennis facility through the implementation of a sustainable sports business model.

"The model will result in both public accessibility and club membership options.

"To engender sustainable interest, the facilities need to meet modern expectations, provide associated facilities and be able to be utilised throughout the year.

"The introduction of high-intensity surface finishes, along with floodlighting, ensures that extended playability is ensured.

"The delivery of a clubhouse provides necessary toilet facilities and a place to meet and refresh.

READ MORE: Tennis club's community asset transfer for Thornhouse Avenue courts approved

"The development proposals are a very positive step towards offering the opportunity of enhanced healthy living and community engagement."

There are currently no floodlights at the site, limiting usage to daylight hours only, with the applicants stating that the introduction of floodlighting is "critical to balance the business plan for the facility".

At present, there are three full-sized courts and a junior-sized singles court at the site, however, these do not meet Lawn Tennis Association requirements, with three new, compliant, full-sized courts proposed to be created, along with two ‘red court’ (reduced size) facilities.

Depute council leader and Irvine West councillor, Shaun Macaulay, said: "Fantastic to see Irvine Tennis Club plans come to life, supported by North Ayrshire Community Investment Fund. Brilliant partnership working.

“This will be a top-class community asset for Irvine. Well done for all the hard work.

“This was exactly the type of proposal we had thought of when we came up with the community investment fund.

“They took an area of land that wasn’t being used and had become an eyesore and it was the community themselves who said they needed to sort that.

“We supported it in any way we could and this is going to improve the opportunity for people to take part in sport. It was seen as an elitist sport but Irvine Tennis Club will run women’s nights, children’s nights and sessions for the elderly.”