The future of international tennis in Sussex has been bolstered following a landmark decision to lease Eastbourne’s iconic Devonshire Park to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
The Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet formally approved the long-term lease arrangement for the Devonshire Quarter’s tennis assets during a meeting on 16 September 2026. The agreement hands the LTA year-round control of the site’s operation and management.
The primary objective of the deal is to secure the long-term residency of the Lexus Eastbourne Open, a combined ATP and WTA 250 event that serves as a critical fixture in the grass-court season ahead of Wimbledon. By transferring the operational responsibility to the national governing body, the council aims to protect the tournament’s status for future generations while easing its own financial commitments.
As part of the new management structure, the LTA is expected to invest in significant site improvements. These include the planned introduction of new padel courts to meet rising demand for the sport and enhanced public access to the facilities outside of the main tournament window. Local schools, community groups, and tennis clubs are set to benefit from expanded year-round access to the world-class courts.
The transition will also see a shift in personnel. Approximately five full-time equivalent staff members from the council’s specialist grounds team are expected to transfer their employment to the LTA. This move ensures that the expertise required to maintain the complex grass surfaces remains at the site under the new management.
The 2026 edition of the Lexus Eastbourne Open recently concluded with Zizou Bergs claiming the men’s singles title in a three-set comeback, while Madison Keys secured the women’s singles crown.
Financial Sustainability
The move comes as the council aims to secure the future of the Lexus Eastbourne Open and expand year-round community use through the new lease. Transferring the operation of the Devonshire Quarter facilities is viewed as a strategic step to reduce the council’s direct maintenance costs while ensuring the site remains a premier sporting destination.
Cabinet members, including Councillor Jenny Williams and Peter Martin, have highlighted that the partnership offers a sustainable model for the park. By allowing the LTA to lead on the venue’s development, the council maintains its ownership of the land while the LTA provides the capital and expertise necessary to modernise the infrastructure.
While the professional tournament remains the highlight of the calendar, the LTA has committed to fostering a “community-first” approach during the off-season. Further details regarding the timeline for the new padel court installations and revised booking systems for local players are expected to be released in the coming months.