04/08/2026
The opening of our new tennis courts on Sunday 2 August 2026 marked the start of what is sure to be an exciting next few years for the club. We have some of the best racquets facilities in NZ, which we hope will be enjoyed by our members and community for years to come.
This week marks the end of a 9 year journey when we first started thinking about where to build some new courts. A lot has happened over the last decade - but we knew this was a one-off opportunity to future-proof our club and provide great facilities now and into the future - so the journey has been well worth it.
Some of the key milestones over the last 9 years include:
2017-2020 - discussions with the Bayswater Bowling Club about transferring their unused bowling green to our lease
2021 - Local Board approval to transfer the land to our lease
2022 - Demolition of the old Bayswater Womens Bowling clubhouse
2023-2024 - Engagement of an architect to work on court designs and submit our building consent application
2024 - Building consent issued
2025 - Confirmation of our Auckland Council grant of $300,000 and subsequent funding drive
2026 - Signing of contracts and start of construction in mid-April, finishing on 31 July 2026
A project of this size requires massive input and help from lots of people - nearly all voluntary - so a huge thank you to everyone that has been involved.
A huge shoutout must go to the following people and organizations who have given considerable time, help and/or money to make this project such a success:
Mike Cohen for his early help and guidance with the Bowling Club discussions and getting them to let go of the land. Such patience!
Campbell Burrows for his help with some early thinking on a master plan, doing surveys, and general input - at one point he nearly convinced me we needed a roof over some of the courts!
Geoff Topham for his invaluable support to me throughout this project, including the recent painting of the block wall behind the new courts.
Rex Grey for his support and patience over the last 3 years, especially with the architect. Also, his hugely successful annual club golf days, which resume in early 2027.
Mike Dahlberg, Brian Lawry, and others for helping with several smaller project issues and always being available - like installing the fantastic seating behind the new courts.
Mary Harper and her gang of gardeners with the fantastic landscaping around the courts.
To our third-party funders, especially Auckland Council and Trillian Trust, for their generous financial support.
To our great Committee - which has backed this project from day 1.
Our family of Donors who gave so generously in late 2025 to close our funding gap.
And lastly to you, our members and sponsors, for your support over the last few years with our fundraising efforts.
In addition to all the above, a massive thanks to Ryan Lundy, our Project Manager. From the early days in December 2025 when Ryan got involved, he has shown huge energy and professionalism to help deliver what is a truly outstanding result.
We hope you have lots of fun and enjoy the new courts. They are fantastic. Tell your friends about them, bring them down to the club and let's find our own next Roger Federer out there!
Regards,
Graeme Norman and the BPRC Committee
Please enjoy this lovely video put together with input from members Kelly Atkins, Aaron Hewitt & Arthur Berthier.
Huge thank-you to club sponsors Alex Klintcharov of Harcourts Takapuna for the complimentary Coffee and Ice Creams and Craigs Investment Partners for supplying the evening catering after the opening ceremony, it was fantastic!
Tennis NZ
Tennis Northern
Bayswater & Belmont Community, NZ
