Residents in Wantage will get the chance to check out what Wantage Tennis Club’s proposed new home could look like when provisional plans go on display in December.

Wantage Tennis Club approached the Vale of White Horse District Council to put forward a proposal to move from its current location inFoliat Driveto a new half acre site in Manor Road Recreation Ground.

The proposed new site is adjacent to the existing public tennis courts, which would receive a much needed refurbishment and upgrade as part of the proposal.  The new facility would also include a further four courts and a small pavilion, along with some additional parking spaces.

As part of the plans, it is proposed that the tennis club would be granted a long-term lease of the site, which is owned by Vale of White Horse District Council.  Under this agreement the tennis club would be responsible for all repairs, maintenance, renewals and outgoings.

The club would also be responsible for the public courts, which will still be available for the public to use at the same cost as present, with a strict control over any future increase in court fees.

Wantage Tennis Club aims to improve access and encourage wider community use of these public courts.  The Club will be able to use the courts for a limited amount of time for larger scale coaching sessions and tournaments.

Any proposals to build new facilities at the site, and the lease agreement itself, will be subject to planning permission being granted.

The proposals, including a model of the site, will be on display for the public to view at Wantage Civic Hall, Portway, Wantage, between Monday 12 December and Wednesday 14 December, from9amto2pmand6pm to 8pm, and on Saturday 17 December from9amtil 12noon.

Stephen Thompson of Wantage Tennis Club, said: “The new site would allow many more people in Wantage to enjoy a game of tennis, as well as providing a much needed upgrade to the existing public courts.”

Cllr Elaine Ware, cabinet member for economy, leisure and property at the Vale, said: “We encourage people to come along to the Civic Hall and have a look at the proposals.  We believe that a new site could provide a major boost in terms of improved tennis facilities for the local community, but are keen to provide an opportunity for residents to see what’s being proposed.”