A NEW players’ village is being built at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne to provide world class facilities for male and female tennis players.

Work has begun to demolish the existing building and replace it with a modern two-storey, glass and timber-clad facility that incorporates player changing rooms, fitness and physio suites, player lounges and medical facilities.

Eastbourne Borough Council and the Lawn Tennis Association are funding the work which is being carried out by contractor Kier.

Council leader David Tutt said: “This is one of various projects we are working on with the LTA that reinforce the status of Aegon International as the annual premier sporting event in the South of England.

“Improving the tennis offer is a crucial element of our £44 million Devonshire Quarter transformation and once completed, will provide us with first-rate international sporting, cultural and conference facilities.”

The Aegon International has been confirmed at Devonshire Park until at least 2026, with the men’s event returning from next year.

Oliver Scadgell, LTA director of major events, said: “The new player facilities are an important part of the work we are undertaking.”