The values of the skyrocketing lands and Hobart’s narrow housing will likely see one of the oldest sports clubs in the state sold to the state government.
Key points:
- Tennis club members say it’s a shame that the 100-year-old club loses its site
- The clubs and tennis courts were surprised by investors and developers
- The great Tasmanian tennis player Simon Youl says that it is essential that suburban and local courts remain intact
The New Town Catholic tennis club and its two clay courts were put up for sale by the Catholic Archdiocese of Tasmania earlier this year.
It is understood that the state government, through the Tasmanian Communities, is negotiating to purchase the site for social and affordable housing.
The club has lasted nearly 100 years.
“It will be a great loss for the community,” said longtime member Claire Irwin.
“We have different types of members here, different types of people, and they all come for fun, sports and a sense of community.”
The club occupies a particularly special place in the heart of Mrs. Irwin and her husband Jeff.
Their romance blossomed in the club in 1986 and eventually led to marriage.
“We have been good friends for years and years and after seven years he asked me to marry him,” he said.
Irwin said that the social aspect of the small – but popular – club would be missing.
“I have met my wife here, and we have had very strong teams here over the years,” he said.
“Shortly after I joined, [the club] famous [its] 75th anniversary. There is a good subscription here and very social. Many people show up to play tennis here. “
New Town boasted what are believed to be Hobart’s last clay courts.
“These would be the last clay courts. The rest is all synthetic now,” said Irwin.
Tasmania has experienced a housing crisis.
In January, the Department of Communities published figures showing that 3,444 Tasmanians were on the waiting list for public housing, with the average waiting time for applicants in category one to three months.
The state government has allocated $ 80 million to spend on affordable housing this year.
Premier Peter Gutwein said he understood that negotiations are under way for the purchase of tennis courts.
“I think the intention of the Tasmanian community is to build social and economic housing on one of these sites,” he said.
“It is important to emphasize that what we want to do is to get roofs over people’s heads.”
Privileged land, in perfect places
Clubs and tennis courts that are often found in suburban outskirts are excluded from investors and developers.
Recently, an 850-square-meter private court in Lindisfarne was sold for $ 600,000 to a venue it intends to build on the block.
Another former Lindisfarne court is also for sale on the exclusive Esplanade.
Former flat courtyards are perfect for developers and private builders keen to break suburban soil during a housing compression.
Last year, Tennis Tasmania conducted a thorough inspection of its facilities for the first time, which will be used as a reference for the years to come.
In 2014, rising rents meant that members of the Santa Teresa tennis club were forced to leave their Moonah base.
Courts remain, but the club was forced to move to the Domain Tennis Center.
Children need local courts to hone their skills
There are fears that the death of the humble suburban tennis court could harm the base game in Tasmania.
The great Tasmanian tennis player Simon Youl grew up honing his service and his volley in the Hart Street tennis center in Launceston.
In 2008, the club sold half of its courts to finance a clubhouse upgrade and a renewal of the remaining courts.
He said that it is essential that suburban and local courts remain intact.
“It’s sad and sad enough for many members of those tennis clubs to see some of those clubs go,” he said.
“We rebuild the clubs we have and grow them and make them incredible places.”
Youl said the game is in good shape and is eager to see further emphasis on developing young players.
“One of the very important things in Tassie is that we cultivate grassroots football. We don’t have many players who are 10 to 18 years old [years old] they are playing tournaments, “he said.
ABC contacted the archdiocese of Hobart for comment.
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