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Established in 1889, Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club (NPLTC) has been a hub for community activity for well over a century. But now, after 136 years of serves, aces and rallies, it may be forced to close.
NPLTC has survived two world wars and seen 27 Prime Ministers. During this time, the club has aimed to make tennis affordable and accessible for the surrounding communities, many of which fall into the Index of Multiple Deprivation’s ‘most deprived decile’.
Back in 2023, however, Croydon Council decided to sell the land on which NPLTC stands, creating uncertainty around the club’s future. The decision was part of the council’s efforts to reduce its £1.4bn debt burden.
Croydon Council recognised the club as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in May 2024 and has sought to ‘avoid unnecessary concern’ as the land transitions from public to private ownership. ACV status gives a community the right to bid for a site of local importance.
A spokesperson from Croydon Council said: ‘We are working with Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club to grant them a long term (999-year) lease, which will provide them with greater security.’
The decision to sell the land comes as NPLTC members have also taken an active role in securing the future of their club, hosting bake sales, croquet taster sessions and competitions to raise the necessary funds. The GoFundMe page has reached 73 percent of the target £25,000, the total the club will need to raise by February 28 to save the land from potential developers. Find out more (and contribute) to the fundraiser here.
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