One of London’s most storied tennis institutions, Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club, is embroiled in a desperate battle for its future after cash-strapped Croydon Council announced intentions to offload the land on which the club has stood for 136 years.
The club, which has weathered the challenges of two World Wars and the reigns of 35 Prime Ministers, is now thrust into uncertainty as it needs to gather approximately £90,000 to secure a 999-year lease from the council.
Leaders of the tennis club – established back in 1889 – have launched a fundraising campaign to raise the money needed.
Thanks to a GoFundMe page, bake-off sales, and an auction, they’ve managed to amass nearly half of the required funds to rescue their beloved facility, designated an Asset of Community Value, granting them priority in purchasing the lease.
Croydon Council has expressed its willingness to work towards assigning the long-term lease to the club.
Blaise Westmaas, the club’s Chairman, who has been a member for three decades, said that losing the club would have a huge impact for the community.
He said: “Norbury Tennis Park Lawn is much more than just a tennis club – it is a cornerstone of our community.
“We have coaching sessions for children, summer camps, sessions for disabled people…
“As a facility, we rent our grounds and our clubhouse to a number of local organisations.”
The club’s reach extends further, welcoming schools and even churches to utilise their facilities. “We have school sessions and even some churches use our facilities.
“It would be a huge loss for the club to go.”
Boasting around 150 members, many of whom are retirees, the club serves as an escape for exercise and community engagement, said Westmaas.
“That has a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of the people who come here,” he added.
“Anyone who gets the bug of tennis, it’s the best thing you can do for your health.
“It reduces [visits] for the NHS: the government should be funding us to stay open and grow because we save them money!
“The sentiment is clear; this is more than just a sports facility—it’s a lifeline. “It’s a community resource that we can’t lose. We’re doing our best to raise the funds to save it.”
The fundraising efforts are crucial for the club’s survival, aiming to secure its future as a cherished venue.
“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.”
Mr Westmaas, a father of three, added that the club was seeking sponsorships from businesses and may even consider borrowing money if they can’t raise a sufficient sum to purchase the lease themselves.
Lisa Patient, the Club’s Fundraising Director, echoed his praise of the club as a community stalwart.
When asked about the consequences of failing to raise enough funds for the lease from Croydon Council, she admits, “The future would be uncertain.
“People would be lost without it. We need to make sure it stays as a tennis facility.
“We are one of the oldest tennis clubs in the world – not far behind Wimbledon in 1868.”
She warmly described the club’s spirit: “It’s a lovely tennis club. We host community events and we’re a great community asset.”
Ms Patient mentioned late member Jean Eastick – who lived next to the club and also met her husband there – as epitomising the club’s community feel.
Mrs Eastick, who was born in 1929, sadly died around five years ago, but her children remain members and play at the club.
Croydon Council, shackled by a £1.6 billion debt from mismanagement, flagged concerns last November about selling the land.
However, Croydon Council clarified to the BBC: “We are not selling the Norbury Tennis Club site.”
Croydon Council told the BBC: “We are not selling the Norbury Tennis Club site.
“We signed a heads of terms agreement with them in October 2024, and we are currently in negotiations to finalise the lease.
“We will continue to work with the club throughout the process to avoid any unnecessary concern.”
The council added that it had “started an asset disposals programme in 2023 in direct response to central government requirements, to sell non-operational assets to reduce borrowing and debt”.
To donate to save Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club, visit this link
