Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club, which has been running for over 135 years, faced closure when the council announced plans to sell its lease as part of efforts to reduce debt.
After months of fundraising, the club has now reached its target and is preparing to finalise a 999-year lease, securing its future for generations to come.
Local MP Steve Reed, who backed the campaign, said: “I’m delighted that Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club has been saved by the community. It’s a historic asset and I was proud to support the fight to keep it in local hands.”
Dating back to the 1890s, the club is the only facility of its kind in Norbury and draws members from across south London. As well as tennis, it offers yoga classes, community events and is home to a popular day nursery.
For many members, the club is more than just a place to play sport. Longtime member Khamsay Phommavongsa, 76, joined nearly 30 years ago after stumbling across it while searching for nearby courts.
He said: “I came here by accident, but I met the people and they were so friendly I never left. This place is like a family. That’s why we had to fight to keep it.”
Another long-term member, Anne-Marie Bowden, has been with the club for 45 years. She said it had become a vital part of the local community.
She said: “I’m still playing tennis at 76. When I had young children, I coached mini tennis here. We had queues of families on Friday nights. It became a real hub.”
In 2023, the club gained Asset of Community Value status, giving it the right to bid for the lease when the council moved to sell. Members launched a crowdfunding appeal and hosted a series of events to raise the money
A loan from Surrey Tennis and support from the club’s reserves helped push the campaign over the line.
A statement from the club read: “We did it! Thanks to an incredible fundraising campaign, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve successfully raised the funds needed to complete the purchase of our land from Croydon Council.
“We’re deeply grateful to all our friends in the Norbury community who donated, supported us, and attended our events. Your generosity and commitment have been truly overwhelming.
“We are so excited that the future of our beloved tennis club is now secure – THANK YOU!”
