LEISURE bosses have unveiled designs showing what their proposed new indoor tennis centre would look like.

Bosses at Inverclyde Leisure have submitted a planning application for the planned state-of-the-art facility at Rankin Park in Inverkip Road.

The proposed centre would have three indoor courts and a viewing area plus a small gym and a soft play space for young children.

A design and access statement, submitted by Bignell Shacklady Ewing architects and designers on behalf of Inverclyde Leisure, outlines aims and ambitions for the new centre.

It states it will 'use tennis to improve lives by offering opportunities for all people of all economic and social backgrounds and disabilities to achieve their potential on and off the court'.

Those behind the plan say they want to 'tackle and challenge perceptions of tennis as an exclusive and expensive middle-class pastime and to be the leading driver defining the culture of tennis in the Inverclyde area'.

They also aim to create tennis initiatives, encourage more local people to take up the sport and create volunteering and job opportunities.

The centre would also host the annual Great British Tennis Weekends, which are free to play events.

In addition, there are plans to work with Tennis Scotland and the Judy Murray Foundation to provide opportunities to offer coaching qualifications, leagues and free tennis programmes.

The proposed building will link to the existing changing and toilet facilities in the neighbouring sports pavilion, which was built for the 11-a-side grass pitch at Rankin Park.

Landscaping and additional car parking will be provided at the site.

Inverclyde Council has committed £500,000 towards the project and further funding is being sought from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and SportScotland.

The proposal is now being considered assessment by council planning officials, with a decision expected before the end of the year.