Renovation of the tennis club sports center, construction of a new tennis court with stands, renovation of the clubhouse, construction of a new bowling alley - 2024/2025 - in progress

TYPE: SPORTS CENTER

LOCATION: MUNICIPALITY OF BORDIGHERA (IM)

CLIENT: ASD Bordighera Lawn Tennis Club 1878

YEAR: 2025

VOLUME: 2,875.00 MC

The project proposal involves the renovation of the building under concession, including renovation of the existing tennis courts with the creation of two new courts (see attached project diagram), redevelopment of the clubhouse (restoration of the flat roof terrace and closure of the portico area on the upper floor – bar area), and facade renovation (new paint). The project would therefore consist of the construction of a new tennis court and small prefabricated lightweight concrete stands in the area currently used as a minigolf course, facing the south side of the clubhouse. This area is currently in a state of neglect, with two maritime pine trees that are almost unstable due to being completely "harnessed." There are also a few olive trees that, after legitimate pruning, will be restored and relocated within the same sports complex. The new tennis court will be joined to the two existing ones, modifying its position to be horizontal with respect to the clubhouse rather than its current vertical position. This change was achieved by further optimizing the playing spaces, while also reviving the original layout of the courts, dating back to the English era. The "front" courts (2, 3, and 4) will be constructed of elastic resin, maintaining regulation dimensions for professional tournaments. Their lighting will also be modified and improved. All existing fencing, including the surrounding walls, will be restored. The internal divisions of the playing fields will also be improved by installing burnished steel nets on metal structures, making the whole thing more professional. The goal of this comprehensive renovation of the tennis club is to create a functional and welcoming facility, capable of optimally hosting professionals, tourists, and local players. The aim was to offer a service worthy of the tourist profile of the city of Bordighera, which boasts a significant presence of foreign residents passionate about tennis. Furthermore, the sports complex's central location makes it a hub between the eastern and western parts of the town, facilitating connections between the main city streets. Court No. 1 (the first tennis facility built in continental Europe) will be enhanced by its conversion into a period court with a grass surface and wooden net posts. This court can be used as an alternative playing field, with the possibility of organizing historic tournaments or tourist events related to the history of tennis in Bordighera. The clubhouse will be renovated by changing the color of the facades and restoring the portico area on the mezzanine level, which will be enclosed with sliding metal doors. The flat roof terrace will be reorganized by replacing the current awning structure with a new metal structure that reflects the existing building's style. This structure, extending along almost the entire main façade of the building (the long side), will be a pergola, equipped with sliding awnings made of waterproof fabric and prepared for the possible installation of frameless windbreaks. The clubhouse's color scheme includes dove gray/sand facades and Wimbledon purple metallic elements, a color chosen as a tribute and connection to the older "mother" club. The clubhouse's outdoor area will be slightly modified, with the flowerbed at the entrance being eliminated to provide more convenient space and the installation of a bicycle rack. The current flowerbed on the north side of the entrance will be enlarged, and a second palm tree will be added to the existing one. The "back" court area (5, 6, and 7) will be maintained and redesigned by resurfacing the existing clay courts, installing metal fencing, and restoring the boundary walls. The tennis club also proposes to expand its facilities in the area currently designated for the G.B. Muller bowling club, which is currently in disrepair (see photo documentation). This club, moreover, is already "invaded" by the project, currently in the execution phase, for a cycle/pedestrian path that will cross the entire city. The aim of the design of this area is not only to ensure high-level sporting activity, but also to unify and harmonize currently disparate contexts through an urban and environmental redevelopment project. A new clay tennis court with prefabricated lightweight concrete stands and a small walled training field will be built in this area. The bowling clubhouse is currently located along the western boundary: a disjointed cluster of small buildings.