Judy Murray has accepted defeat in her controversial plans to build a tennis and sports centre near Dunblane that would have also served as the local “legacy” for sons Andy and Jamie Murray following the end of their playing careers. The project was described as a “unique opportunity” to build on the sporting achievements of Andy and Jamie Murray by providing affordable access to sports facilities. Plans for indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as padel and pickleball courts, were drawn up as part of the proposed £20m multisport centre , while the development also included proposals for a hotel, golf course and Murray museum.
However, the project faced fierce opposition from local residents and campaign groups who objected to the centre being built on green belt land and in close proximity to Dunblane and neighbouring town Bridge of Allan. Park of Keir is a popular woodland area and the new sports facility would have added to existing tennis clubs in both Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, as well as facilities at the University of Stirling. The development was also dependent on the building of luxury housing on the Park of Keir site, which was particularly unpopular with campaigners.
Ultimately, a lack of investment in the project led to Judy Murray and her Murray Play Foundation deciding that it could not go ahead without public funding to cover the increased construction costs of the £20m facility. The decision comes after more than a decade of disagreement betwe.