Hitting winners on and off the court for Wonthaggi Tennis Club

WONTHAGGI Tennis Club is set for an exciting chapter in their history with an almost $1m new pavilion underway. 

Bass Coast Shire has appointed TS Constructions Pty Ltd to construct the $870,000 pavilion at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.

Building works are underway for the purpose-built, stand-alone facility, which will provide additional amenities for Wonthaggi Tennis Club members and guests.

The new pavilion, which boasts sustainable design features, will span 207sqm of internal floor space and include a social room and outdoor deck overlooking the existing courts, as well as office space and kitchen facilities.

Club secretary and committee member Phil Dempster said the new building would provide huge benefits to members. 

Mr Dempster highlighted that their current club room was becoming very outdated, and they would be able to host more social nights when the building is completed.

“One of the hassles about it (current facility) is we play on Tuesday nights and sometimes it’s nice to sit down and have something to eat,” he said.

“But people will come in, put in their results and just take off.

“We’ve also got the new courts, we used to have a key to access them but now it’s all keypad. 

“You book the court and you’re sent a number.”

Club president Russell Cargill added they had long been campaigning for a pavilion, and thanked the shire for their support.

Mr Cargill also highlighted that fortunately many members are beginning to return after the downturn of lockdowns.

“We had our first Tuesday night competition recently, it was just a night where people come and have a go,” he said.

“And nearly all the courts were full.

“It’s starting to look up.”

Traffic and pedestrian controls will be in place while the works are undertaken, and one large tree will be removed as part of the project. A vegetation removal permit was not required.

The works, which have been funded by the council’s Capital Works Program and a Victorian Government grant, are expected to be completed by May next year, depending on favourable weather, contractor and supplier availability.