Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and MahaTennis Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a world-class tennis training and competition centre in Andheri.
The project will be set up on a plot of land of about 8,000 square metres (two acres) owned by MHADA in Kolekalyan area of Andheri. The centre will provide modern training, practice and facilities required for national and international competitions to budding tennis players from Mumbai and across Maharashtra.
The signing of the agreement was attended by MHADA Vice Chairman and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal, Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board Chief Executive Officer Milind Borikar and senior officials of both the organisations.
Joint partnership for 30 years
As per the agreement, the plot will be made available to MahaTennis Foundation on a joint partnership basis for a period of 30 years. The project will include international standard tennis courts, state-of-the-art training facilities, infrastructure required for organising competitions and ancillary facilities for players and coaches.
Investment of Rs 15 crore for the project
MHADA will invest Rs 10 crore in this project, while MahaTennis Foundation will invest Rs 5 crore. Considering the growing need for quality sports facilities in the western suburbs of Mumbai, this center is expected to become an important hub for tennis.
As per the agreement, the ownership and possession of the plot will remain with MHADA. Also, all the infrastructure to be built under the project will remain the property of MHADA. MahaTennis Foundation will be responsible for obtaining necessary permissions, operating and maintaining the center, and complying with safety and regulatory norms.
Free training for students
The agreement also includes a social commitment. Every year, 20 students will be provided professional tennis training completely free of cost. Also, special training facilities will be provided for the children of MHADA and state government employees.
40% of the revenue will go to MHADA
A project management committee of representatives of the Housing Department and MHADA will be formed to monitor the implementation of the project. In addition, MHADA will get 40 percent of the revenue generated from non-sports related commercial activities.
This is considered one of the few large tennis projects to be set up by the public sector in Mumbai. This will not only boost the development of tennis in the city, but will also provide professional-grade training facilities to young players.