Kingswood’s neighbours

If you think big-time developers wear designer suits, need to be ‘of a certain age’, or have an unassailable air of importance, think again: sporty Jonathan Hills, 40, is at the helm of an exciting project at the Rooirivier site just up the road from Kingswood Golf Estate, and he’s the epitome of a new-generation boy on the George development block.

According to a recent report posted at www.sasportspress.co.za, ‘South Africa’s newest top-flight sports complex will feed multiple desires, particularly in the local tennis community, with world-class facilities and much-needed clay courts opening soon in George.’

The construction of Telesto Clay Court Tennis Centre at Rooirivier is planned over a number of phases, the first comprising the establishment of six ATP-sized clay courts, a pro shop, and refreshment stop. Future phases will include the construction of a clubhouse, private gym, studio training facility and players’ lounge, as well as three ATP-sized hard courts.

Off the court, into the frying pan …

Meeting Jonathan Hills on site in a freezing south-easterly gale does little to dampen the sizzling enthusiasm with which he describes his clay court development. A doubles contender in the ATP-series during 2001 and 2002, Jonathan also coached tennis for more than a decade.

The sport is part of his every fibre and his mission is therefore to help South African players compete on an international stage through the establishment of this world-class clay court facility.

Jonathan joined the property development game in Gauteng some years ago, exchanging his efforts on the court for an opportunity to specialise in management of sales and removals. After assisting the company towards its successful expansion, he decided on a change of scenery as the infamous year of 2020 ran its course.

‘I was always looking for an opportunity to do something special by making a real contribution to the sport of tennis, and being involved outside of playing – and that’s how the clay court idea was born,’ Jonathan said in a recent interview with Sunday newspaper, Rapport. Discussing the details of the next few months’ building targets, it’s clear that Jonathan is cut out for his role as director and manager of the R20 million (and mounting!) Telesto Clay Court Tennis Centre.

No need to worry

When walking around the tennis centre’s building site, Jonathan points out the positions of the clay courts and other amenities soon to be constructed, as well as the ClearVu fencing and grassed verges that will mitigate potential visual hindrances or noise pollution. ‘Residents at surrounding properties have no cause for alarm. Instead, they can start looking forward to having a unique facility on their doorstep, which will offer matchless sporting options to the general public, and not just to the pro tennis fraternity.’

Among the most exciting of these offerings is a padel tennis court: this racket sport is typically played in doubles on a glass-enclosed court, exactly half the size of a standard tennis court. Scoring is the same as for normal tennis, and the balls used are similar but with a little less pressure.

‘There are no padel courts in the vicinity, so this will be an added attraction for members of the George public, no matter what their age or skills level. A round of padel tennis on courts in Gauteng can cost a pretty penny, but we will make sure that our rates are commensurate with reasonable local standards.’

Everyone to gain

There’s much to be proud of when considering the attribute that Jonathan’s sports centre will be to tennis in the Southern Cape and the country as a whole. Sponsors and operators on the international stage have already showed keen interest, and the largest clay court builder in the world, French concern Les Courts Simeon, is on board to ensure that the new George clay courts are fit for international tournaments.

Taking into account that future phases of the development could include a swimming pool and related amenities, the entire population of George should have their fingers crossed for a successful and timeous completion of Jonathan’s development. Kingswood residents are welcome to cast an eye on progress made at the Rooirivier site when driving towards York Street, or call Jonathan on 066 236 6334 with queries.