Project Showcase - Raynes Park

With the arrival of springtime, it won’t be long until tennis season is in full swing, and we certainly can’t wait to enjoy strawberries and cream in front of a match or two. With that in mind, we feel a project showcase on the new community tennis centre at Raynes Park is in order.

Raynes Park is situated just 3.5 miles south of Wimbledon and is privately owned by the All-England Lawn Tennis Club. Having purchased the 22-acre site back in 1990, The AELTC have been redeveloping the grounds since 2016. The initial phase consisted of constructing six acrylic courts, three of which are covered with an inflatable air dome for all-weather play. In 2019 the facilities grew further with three indoor acrylic courts added in a second air dome, sixteen Championship grass courts and a maintenance building for the Grounds team and equipment. An additional entrance was also introduced on Cannon Hill Lane to be used for deliveries and staff access.

The final phase of the development started on site back in November of 2022 and SOLID were thrilled to have been appointed as both structural and civil engineers on the development, working closely with contractors Beard. This final phase included the construction of a new clubhouse, extended car parking facilities, ancillary buildings, and outdoor seating for the external courts.

Our SOLID structures team were challenged with designing a building with complex curved geometry and the use of various structural materials including glulam, timber, masonry, steel, and concrete elements. We took a proactive approach and led the design using BIM. Using our 3D model, we highlighted coordination issues early and developed solutions with the design team.

Now complete, Raynes Park provides facilities for the local community. The centre offers a ‘Pay and Play’ system allowing the public to drop in for a game without having to sign up to long term memberships. The club also provides adult and junior coaching. When the tennis season arrives and the preparation for Wimbledon begins, Raynes Park becomes a hive of activity. Prior to and during the championships the grass courts are used as practice facilities for the players competing. The centre also provides facilities for the junior Tennis Initiative Coaching programme, which hosts the Wimbledon Ball Boys and Girls training.

Are you planning a sports or leisure project in the coming months? Why not contact our SOLID team to discover how we can assist with your structural and civil challenges.