Funding boost set for Canberra tennis facilities, as AIS Arena limbo stretches to 20-months with both governments continuing their refusal to fund upgrades

As part of the government's push to improve sporting facilities across Canberra - except for the arena - $825,000 has been allocated to reconstruct the North Woden Tennis club's four hardcourts.

Work on the upgrades at the Hughes tennis facility are due to commence in the second half of 2022. Whilst the stalemate on the federal government-owned arena some 13-kilometres away continues, after it was closed last year to events because of fire safety concerns.

Both the territory and federal governments are refusing to fund the up to $5 million upgrades.

More than 32,000 Canberrans play tennis and Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry said that was why the government was investing in the sport. In comparison to the arena, which is used by the Canberra Capitals, Super Netball teams and offers a venue that can hold 4400 patrons.

"[The] club has been serving the Woden community for more than 50 years. With hundreds of members, the club also has a strong focus on assisting people with a disability to play tennis," she said.

"More than 32,000 Canberrans play tennis, with the sport growing in popularity every year. The ACT government is committed to improving our existing facilities - while continuing to develop new tennis services and centres to meet demand."

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The funding is part of broader upgrades to lighting at Ainslie, Eastlake and Kambah courts, alongside a new tennis centre for Gungahlin.

Planning and design for the brand new facility at Amaroo will commence shortly - once a consultant has been appointed - but is set to include 10-12 full sized courts, hot shots courts, a hitting wall, LED lighting, parking and a pavilion.