A new £1.3m permanent indoor tennis centre in Deal was officially opened on Saturday 23 July by Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Sue Nicholas, and Kent tennis star Naomi Cavaday.

The new facility launched with a full programme of events, brought together by Vista Leisure, including the 'Anyone For Tennis' show, a chance to measure the speed of your service, and a cheerleading demonstration by the Vista Twisters.

The day also included a visit from Naomi Cavaday, the former British number four, who is now embarking on a coaching career coaching high performance players.

The new tennis centre in Deal features four indoor acrylic courts and is built on behalf of Dover District Council alongside the Tides Leisure Pool. The building includes spectator standing and seating areas and an office for the tennis coaching team. The centre is run by Vista Leisure, the not for profit Leisure Trust and registered charity.

Funding for the project has been provided by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Sport England and Dover District Council, and includes monies from the insurance settlement following the destruction of the previous 'airhall' in 2007.

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Access and Property Management, said: "We are extremely pleased to open this excellent new facility that replaces the former facility that was lost during a storm. The new centre will give the opportunity for increased participation levels in sport and provide a superb permanent facility, as well as support our regeneration agenda for the future of the area. We would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard for this, including officers at DDC and Vista Leisure, and the LTA for its fantastic support."

Kevin Fordham, Vista Leisure Chief Executive, said: "This is a state-of-the-art building, which will provide an excellent permanent facility for the area. DDC has designed a facility to LTA specifications and we are very pleased to be running an excellent tennis building that is economical to run and environmentally friendly."

Roger Draper, Chief Executive of the LTA, said: "This investment is an important part of our work to help more people play tennis, and stay in the game. Providing funding for floodlights and indoor courts is one of the key ways in which we can achieve that. It's great to see Dover District Council investing so significantly in our sport, as a local authority that recognises the lifelong health benefits of a sport for all ages, and all parts of the community."