TENNIS courts in York have joined Wimbledon and other top venues by getting their own removable roof.
A £103,000 single skin inflatable dome will protect some of the hard courts at York Sport Centre on the Heslington West campus from mid September to April or May each year, depending on the weather. It will be deflated during the summer months.
The courts are available for community use as well as by university staff and students. The centre also has three indoor courts.
Keith Morris, head of sport at the University of York, said: “Covering three of the six outdoor tennis courts is part of York Sport’s vision to inspire everyone to embrace an active lifestyle and encourage exercise.
“Thanks to the dome, we will be able to run a more sustainable programme of activities. Players at all levels, from both the local community and university, will be able to enjoy tennis all year round, whatever the weather.”
The dome, from Covair Structures Ltd, is sufficiently transparent to allow the courts’ floodlight to shine through so play can continue in poor outdoor light.
The University plans to work with local clubs and support junior development.
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