Greg Rusedski In Portsmouth

11 January 2014, 07:40 | Updated: 11 January 2014, 08:03

Greg Rusedski's in Portsmouth to officially open the city's new tennis centre.

It's already open but the tennis star, along with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and Cllr Lynne Stagg will officially launch the 1.1 million pound facility today (Saturday 11th January). 

It's located next to the Mountbatten Centre in Stamshaw, and provides brand new facilities including four indoor courts, six outdoor courts, and eight indoor mini tennis courts. There is also free parking.

Portsmouth City Council secured £834,387 funding for the new centre from the Lawn Tennis Association and have provided the additional £332,824 from council funds.

Parkwood Leisure manages the centre for Portsmouth City Council, Rob Ellis, Parkwood Leisure’s Director of Tennis, said:

"We’re proud to be associated with this flagship facility and based on the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve had to date, there’s no doubt it will be a real asset to the local community.

"As well as a varied programme, we’ve brought in a great coaching team headed up by Ashley Neaves and we’re looking forward to welcoming many more residents over the coming months."

Councillor Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said:

"Just like Greg Rusedski, tennis in Portsmouth is a big hitter, with more and more people getting involved. After the Olympic gold medal success and Wimbledon victory for Andy Murray, plus silver in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson, and American Open Grand Slam win, alongside many worldwide junior winners, this a really exciting time for British and Portsmouth tennis.

"By working with British Tennis and city partners our city council is helping to create facilities which rank amongst some of the best for 'grassroots' players in the UK.  We're hoping to encourage people who may not have tried tennis before to come along and have a go.

"Portsmouth sport is on the up with increasing tennis investment, new 'Portsmouth Wiggle Triathlon', Great South Run, excellent Mountbatten Centre facilities, growing boxing success and more besides, so Portsmouth's Olympic legacy is secure. There are plenty of opportunities at our new centre for all abilities and ages to get involved."