RUTHERGLEN Lawn Tennis Club has unveiled plans for a new clubhouse to cater for its growing membership.

It has applied to build a replacement, two-level facility at its courts at Viewpark Drive.

Membership of the club is up from 100 to 330 in just seven years, but “growth and success” have given it a “major headache” — the small ageing clubhouse at Viewpark is no longer fit for purpose.

A design statement submitted with the club’s planning application explains: “With help and support from very generous funders over the last few years, they’ve transformed themselves from a small, sleepy club, primarily used recreationally during spring/summer/autumn by members living local to the courts, into one of the most innovative and dynamic clubs in Scotland, attracting members from all over the West of Scotland due to their first class coaching programme, fantastic courts and reputation for being welcoming and inclusive to all ages and abilities.”

There is an “urgent need” for a replacement clubhouse to meet the needs of new membership.

The proposed facility would provide improved shower and toilet facilities, more space for socialising, an office and storeroom for the coaching team, and a viewing area for spectators coming to tournaments.

The new building would allow mini-tennis classes and fitness sessions to be held indoors during adverse weather, and allow more use by community groups for meetings. It would also be accessible for people taking part in wheelchair tennis and special needs classes.

The upper level would have viewing areas and public space, while the lower accommodation would be for changing, storage and administration.

The application is pending assessment by South Lanarkshire planning officials.