Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Croydon tennis club’s members now face an uncertain future after Croydon Council revealed plans to sell the property on which it has been located for more than 100 years.
Members are coming together to collect the funds required to guarantee that the club can remain to assist the residents of Norbury, as the club’s survival is in jeopardy.
The Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club (NPLTC) is one of the world’s oldest tennis clubs, having been established in 1890.
It has survived two world wars; in fact, one court was directly struck by a bomb during one of the wars.
Why is Croydon council selling NPLTC?
NPLTC has grown to be a beloved community institution. It offers tennis and coaching in an area with above-average social and health disadvantage at a reasonable and accessible cost.
The future of the club’s services was therefore called into question when members discovered in November 2023 that Croydon Council intended to sell the land. Many expressed their “shock” and “surprise” at learning that their club’s residence off of Ederline Avenue would be sold as part of the council’s list of assets to be disposed of in order to save money.
In order to alleviate the council’s “toxic” debt load, the local government has been selling everything from charity headquarters to recreation centres. The third and last tranche, which is regarded as the most “sensitive,” is being worked through by the council.
How is NPLTC fighting to secure its future?
The Croydon council has extended an offer to the club to buy the land with a 999-year lease. The club acknowledged that, given the stakes, it is difficult to raise the £25,000 required, even if it stated that it is eager to keep developers away from the property and can raise some money through small loans.
Lisa Patient, the director of NPLTC, has been actively involved in the effort to save the club. In an effort to secure its future, she and other members have since created a GoFundMe campaign.
She explained the club’s significance to the neighbourhood to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
She said:
“The loss of the tennis club would be a disaster for this community. NPLTC is the only tennis club in North Croydon. We provide a welcoming space for people of all ages and skill levels to play tennis, a sport which is great for physical and mental health. The people who play here build lasting friendships and develop a sense of belonging.
“We have affordable membership and run lots of fun social events. Beyond tennis, the club serves as a hub for meetings, parties and initiatives that unite the Norbury and Thornton Heath community and is home to a popular day nursery.”
What measures is NPLTC taking to raise funds for the campaign?
With four floodlit hard courts and plans to build two more, the club is popular among both new and experienced players. Additionally, it offers community coaching for young people and participates in the Action for Sport program, which uses tennis to help young people adapt into society.
Club Chairman Blaise Westmaas added: “We believe that Norbury Tennis Park Lawn is much more than just a tennis club – it is a cornerstone of our community.
“The funds raised through this campaign will help safeguard the future of the venue and ensure it remains a place where people can come to enjoy tennis, socialise, and be part of something special.”
As part of the initiative, the NPLTC will host several activities, such as tennis tournaments and cake sales, in addition to its online fundraiser.
Is NPLTC’s status as a community asset at risk?
Steve Reed, MP for Streatham and Croydon North, feels that a club that is known locally as an Asset of Community Value is in danger due to the council’s intentions for selling the land.
He said:
“Croydon’s Conservatives are selling off vital community assets such as Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club – a wonderful local club which has been a staple of the Norbury Community for 135 years. All while they hike your council tax by over 20%, yet they cut everything except the grass.”
A spokesperson for Croydon Council said:
“We are not selling the Norbury Tennis Club site; we are working with the tennis club to grant them a long term (999 years) lease which will provide them with greater security. We signed a Heads of Terms agreement with them in October 2024, and we are currently in negotiations with them to finalise the lease.”
What tough decisions is Croydon Council making amid financial challenges?
Croydon Council faces multiple financial challenges. It has reported budget deficits in excess of £50m in recent years. This results in difficult decisions regarding asset management and service delivery.
However, a survey conducted among local residents indicated that nearly 70% supported the maintenance of existing community play facilities. This reflects widespread concern about the possible closure and its impact on community participation.
The Croydon council’s land sale plan is part of a wider strategy to tackle the financial challenges facing local authorities. In terms of the Council’s decision about potential legal action to challenge the sale and protect community assets, it is being discussed.
Residents are exploring options to prevent the sale or to find another way to keep the tennis club open.
They have come together to support the tennis club and emphasize the importance of promoting health and wellbeing. A campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the possible closure and to support the conservation of the club’s facilities.