Cabinet councillors have endorsed ongoing discussions between Eastbourne Borough Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) on a new long-term lease that would secure the future of international tennis in Eastbourne while expanding year-round opportunities for the wider community at Devonshire Quarter.
The Eastbourne Open International Tennis Tournament attracts almost 50,000 spectators each year and generates a £5 million boost to the local economy. The tournament has been a fixture in Eastbourne for more than 50 years and remains one of the highlights of the international grass-court season.
Councillor Jenny Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Place, said:
“Our number one priority is to safeguard international tennis in Eastbourne for generations to come while unlocking new investment to increase access to sport for local schools, tennis clubs, community groups and residents of all ages.
“Of course, we also have a responsibility to ensure the most financially sustainable arrangements are in place for local taxpayers.
“I’m delighted that discussions with our partners at the LTA have been very positive and constructive, and we look forward to continuing those conversations over the weeks ahead.”
Under the proposals currently being discussed, the LTA would operate the site year-round and invest in a range of improvements. These are expected to include increased public access to courts outside the tournament period, the construction of new padel courts, enhanced opportunities for schools, community groups and tennis clubs, and improved facilities for players, officials and spectators.
Chris Pollard, LTA Managing Director of Commercial and Operations said:
“The LTA is firmly committed to the long-term future of tennis at Devonshire Park. Through our partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council, we have delivered the iconic Eastbourne Open tennis tournament over half a century.
“We are excited by the opportunity to take on a new long-term lease of Devonshire Park, protecting the annual grass-court tournament for future generations of Eastbourne residents and delivering more year-round community access to the world-class tennis facilities.”
While no final agreement has been reached, Cabinet approval enables the next phase of negotiations to begin, including the development of detailed proposals and legal arrangements.