Published Wednesday 16 July 2025 at 10:32
It’s game, set and match for works to the tennis courts and four new pickleball courts at Blackburn’s historic Corporation Park.
The upgraded tennis courts – funded by the LTA Tennis Foundation and Blackburn with Darwen Council – are set to officially open next week, offering more opportunities for residents and visitors to get active and enjoy the outdoors.
The new pickleball courts are part of a wider programme of improvements at the Grade II-listed Victorian park, supported by an additional £750,000 of Government funding successfully secured by the Council.
Already, the park’s iconic front gates have been restored and repainted with the front improved with new benches too.
The popular playground is also benefitting from new floodlighting – along with a new train for little ones to enjoy.
The multi-use games area has been revamped too, again, with new lighting as well as fresh paint and replacement nets.
And work is also underway to safeguard the future of one of the park’s historic buildings – West Park Lodge.
Further planned improvements include a re-styling of the Remembrance Garden, including improved accessibility, restoration works for the park’s historic fountain, and new fencing around the busy bowling green as well as the thriving community garden, managed by the dedicated supporters group.
The entire length of the walkway towards the top of the park is also set to be re-surfaced.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
For generations, Corporation Park has been enjoyed by residents and visitors to Blackburn.
Today it remains a traditional, Grade II, Victorian park that is registered by English Heritage as having special historic interest and it’s still incredibly popular – a beautiful spot for walks and for families to enjoy time together.
Sadly, with the huge budget pressures the Council has faced due to austerity over the last decade, we’ve seen our parks decline, against all of our wishes, and so this new funding is very much welcome.
The official opening of the new tennis and pickleball courts is an exciting next step and a welcome boost to the park.
We want to make it as easy as possible for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being active, and these high-quality courts – that’ll be free to access through community sessions – are a brilliant way to do just that.
Corporation Park is one of many projects across the borough set to benefit from a share of the £20m in new Government funding.
Other key developments include the restoration of King George’s Hall, expansion of The Making Rooms, upgrades to The Exchange, and investments in Tony’s Ballroom and Imperial Mill.
Meanwhile, at Corporation Park, Historic England has also awarded the Council with further funding to support the potential restoration of the historic conservatory.
Councillor Mahmood added:
The way councils are funded has changed dramatically, which makes this level of investment even more important. It’s also a real testament to our track record of delivering positive change.
As a Council, we’re focused on what matters most to residents – and parks and playgrounds are consistently high on that list.
Thanks to strong financial planning, we’ve also committed extra funding from our budget for services that really matter, including park attendants, more playground improvements, and shrub pruning.
We’ll continue to build on this and make the most of every single penny we secure.
The new courts, to the top end of the park and accessed off Revidge Road, are already available to book, with plans in place to host Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions for all ages and ability levels. Equipment will also be provided.
It’s also hoped that local tennis leagues will soon be established, offering friendly, sociable opportunities for people to stay active and connect through sport.
The project is part of a £30million nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people.
Thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition are being brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, improved court accessibility and better booking systems, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
Over 3,000 courts have already been completed, with three of those at Corporation Park in Blackburn. They have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new nets and the introduction of a new gate system.
In addition to investment of £38,999 from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, £23,403 has also been invested by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said:
We’re delighted to see the park tennis courts at Corporation Park re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active.
Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.
Corporation Park is home to a busy playground, a children’s bike track, multi-use games areas, bowling greens and scenic walking routes. There’s also a free Xplorer and Discovery Trail – ideal for keeping youngsters entertained during the summer holidays.
The park is supported by an active Corporation Park Supporters Group – a team of dedicated volunteers who help to protect and enhance this cherished community space. The group is looking for volunteers who are keen to get involved. Anyone interested should contact: info@corporationparksupportersgroup.com
To book the tennis courts, please visit the LTA website. The pickleball courts do not currently need to be booked in advance.
And to find out more about Corporation Park, visit our website.