The Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre, or Oriam ITC, will adjoin the existing sports facility located at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus.

Ground was broken on the £4.5 million project in September 2022 and an impressive steel framework now arches over the 4000sq/m site. It is being funded in partnership between Oriam, Heriot-Watt University, the LTA, sportscotland and Tennis Scotland through the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis (TSIT) fund.

Chris Sellar, head of delivery, at Oriam, said: “I’m thrilled we’ve now reached this key milestone in the construction phase of our new indoor tennis centre. It will not only serve as a hub for the local community to engage in the sport but provide a high-quality event venue and training ground for our athletes. We look forward to the completion of this project and the countless opportunities it will bring to Oriam and Heriot-Watt University.”

The courts are being constructed with the latest technology and will have some of the finest acrylic playing surfaces found anywhere in the country, suitable for both recreational and competitive matches. In addition, the Centre will be used by Tennis Scotland and will be home to Heriot-Watt’s tennis club as well as students and players from the local community.

Developer Clark Contracts is working with Oriam to ensure the new facility meets the highest standards of quality and safety. The Centre marks a significant addition to Oriam’s already impressive roster of sports facilities that includes seven grass football pitches, hydropool and public and performance gyms.

It will primarily serve the communities of West Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian and Fife, and comes as calls grow for additional world-class tennis amenities to be made available to the public.

Professor Mark Biggs, vice-principal and provost at Heriot-Watt University, said: “This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance our athletic programs but also bring significant benefits to the wider community. With six new indoor courts, we will be able to host top-talent and national tournaments all-year round for the public to experience as well as be available for the wider community in a way that reflects Heriot-Watt’s mission to serve its communities.

“We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have and look forward to welcoming athletes and the public more widely to this impressive new facility.”