On a quiet stretch of Archerfield Road in Richlands lies a place that once echoed with the sounds of tennis balls and the shouts of aspiring athletes. This was the West Brisbane Tennis Centre, where Ashleigh Barty, Australia’s tennis prodigy, spent countless hours honing her skills under the watchful eye of coach Jim Joyce.
Today, the scene is unrecognisable. The courts have been replaced by rows of parked cars, the sound of industry filling the air where dreams of Grand Slam victories once took root.
A Sporting Legacy Fades
For almost two decades, 227 Archerfield Road was synonymous with tennis. It was a community hub where young players gathered, inspired by the promise of a bright future in sports. Among them was Ms Barty, whose journey from Richlands to world No. 1 began on those very courts.
In 2022, the tennis centre closed its gates for the final time. Before it did, Ms Barty and Mr Joyce held a small farewell event, reminiscing about the years spent there. Mr Joyce later described that day as one of the most memorable moments of his life, a bittersweet goodbye to a chapter that shaped not only careers but also the area’s identity.
The Shift to Industry
The transformation of the site began with its sale to Kingsmede, a private investment company, in 2021. With the property spanning over 20,000 square metres, its potential as industrial land was quickly realised.
By 2023, Council approved the development of a multi-unit industrial estate. The plans include warehouse and office spaces ranging from 700 to 1,400 square metres, designed to cater to the growing demand for industrial facilities in Richlands.
The site’s proximity to the Centenary Highway, Ipswich Motorway, and Logan Motorway makes it a prime location for businesses needing efficient transport links.
Reflections of the Past
Today, little remains of the tennis centre’s former glory. An old, weathered sign reading “West Brisbane Tennis Centre” still hangs on Archerfield Road, a quiet nod to the site’s sporting history.
For many in Richlands, it’s a poignant reminder of how much the area has changed—and how much more it will change in the years to come.
Published 24-Dec-2024