Judy Murray abandons £20m Park of Keir tennis centre plans

Judy Murray won an eight-year planning battle at the end of 2021 to build the complex south of Dunblane. It was hoped the centre would serve as part of Sir Andy’s legacy by providing communities with greater access to sports.

Only last month, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) pledged £5m towards the centre, which would have included outdoor tennis and padel courts, as well as indoor tennis and pickleball courts.

However, the charity behind the plans has said the project is no longer viable.

A statement from the Murray Play Foundation said “significant increases in construction, material, energy and labour costs, a lengthy and uncertain planning process, and protracted discussions with governing bodies” were among the factors behind the decision.

A charity spokesperson said: “It is with deep regret and sorrow that we bring this project to an end and, with it, a unique opportunity for a sporting legacy from the careers of two young men from Dunblane who reached the top of their sport and inspired countless people to play the game.

“Judy has been involved in promoting sport and tennis her whole life. This not-for-profit project was an opportunity to build a base in Scotland that would have lasted beyond her lifetime and given the next generation greater opportunity to access courts, competition and coaching.

“Over 12 years, Judy has invested significant time and encountered indifference and opposition for much of that period. However, she and her team persevered until several factors conspired to leave the project unviable in its current form and we no longer plan to seek a detailed planning consent on the site at Park of Keir.

“The Murray family is proud of what they have contributed to tennis in the UK and remain committed to growing the game and persuading governments, sports governing bodies and others of the significant health, social and economic benefits that flow from sustained investment in sport and physical activity.

“We will now take time to consider what other initiatives might be aligned to the purpose of our charity, which is essentially to provide more people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the opportunity to pursue sport, fitness and physical activity.”

The announcement will be welcomed by those who have long opposed the project on the grounds that it would have been built on greenbelt land.