Work starts on £9m refurbishment of Edgbaston Priory tennis club

AThe £9 million revamp of Edgbaston Priory Club will see a new six-court indoor tennis centre built at the site.

Plans also include a permanent grass show court together with new squash, gym and leisure facilities and a major refurbishment of the clubhouse, bar and restaurant.

Club bosses said the construction of the indoor tennis centre and show court will enable it to host international tournaments such as the annual AEGON Classic which this year saw the Wimbledon semi-finalist, Sabine Lisicki, triumph in Birmingham.

The event is estimated to be worth more than £9 million to the city's economy.

They said the new facilities will also help increase people's access to the sport and nurture talented young players.

Chief executive Robert Bray said: "To see the work begin on site is an exciting moment, not only for our members but for the local community and the city of Birmingham.

"When complete, Edgbaston Priory Club will be firmly established as one of the great sporting clubs in the world with the facilities to host international racquet tournaments, deliver greater access to racquet sport locally and bring significant economic benefits to the region."

The works will take two years to complete and the club will remain open throughout.