Tennis Courts - Putney Lower Common

Thank you for your interest in the tennis courts at Putney Lower Common.

The courts are owned by the charity Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) and the current licence has expired. 

WPCC are now inviting expressions of interest (tenders) from individuals, groups or organisations to manage the Courts, so they are playable by members of the public.  

The Expressions of Interest Particulars and Specification can be downloaded here:  Expressions of Interest documentation

If you require any further information, please e-mail the Ranger's Office

We have received several questions regarding the use of the courts and these, along with our responses, can be found below. If your question is not answered here, please e-mail us  at rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk

 

Does the LTA ClubSpark System have to be used for bookings?

The licensee will be required to use the LTA’s ClubSpark system for all court and coaching bookings and is required to be a Member of the LTA, as specified in the Expression of Interest.

What are the plans for the gating system?  If ClubSpark is to be used then a gating system is needed for court bookings.

A gated system is not required for LTA’s ClubSpark system to work. Legal advice has been obtained as to the obligations on the Conservators under the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871 which requires the Commons to be kept “open” and unenclosed, which includes the tennis courts.  This is an absolute requirement under the Act with the Conservators having no discretion in this matter.  We note that many local authority tennis court sites on the edge of parks, referred to by the LTA as ‘park courts’ are also required to be kept open similar to our own courts.

Could flooding light be installed?

No.   Our overriding interest is in being a good neighbour with noise and disturbance levels kept to an absolute minimum, this includes flood lighting.

Are there plans to resurface the courts?

Yes.  WPCC is currently having the condition of the courts assessed. WPCC will bear the costs of the assessment and any maintenance and until this is concluded we cannot specify a timescale. WPCC will work collaboratively with the successful expression of interest, this could include phased maintenance programme, and the licence negotiated to reflect this. This is partly the rationale for not asking for detailed financial information through a full tender exercise, instead running an expression of interest exercise.

Could the courts be used for Padel or Pickleball?

No.  WPCC recognises the growing interest in and the accessibility of Padel and Pickleball worldwide. However, due to the levels of noise generated from these  games, our overriding interest in being a good neighbour requires noise levels being kept to an absolute minimum, and as mentioned in the Expression of Interest (EoI) documentation, we will not consider any expressions of interest any games other than tennis for this initial three years.

Can the pavilion be renovated and expanded to include a small café/tennis shop?

No.  Whilst the Pavillion can remain, its footprint cannot be increased.