PICTURE GALLERY: Tennis players' village starts to take shape at Eastbourne park

The steel and concrete units were constructed off-site in Hull, driven down on lorries and once secured in place, they will be clad with timber and glass to create a modern two-storey facility.

This will incorporate player changing rooms, fitness and physio suites, player lounges and medical facilities.

The first of the lorries began arriving yesterday morning (Tuesday) laden with the modular buildings, each weighing up to 15 tonnes.

After an initial hitch with a crane – believed to be the most state of the art ever seen in Eastbourne – the first pods were lifted into place late afternoon.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne council’s cabinet member for tourism and enterprise, said, “It is fantastic to see Devonshire Quarter work progressing so well and the new tennis players’ village is a key part in improving our tennis offer here.

“It will be complemented by major on-court enhancements including a new show court, new practice courts and the installation of a modern irrigation system, all of which strengthen the status of Devonshire Park as a first rate international sporting venue.”

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

Work began in January to demolish the old facility and the site was cleared to make way for the new modular building.

For more details about the Devonshire Quarter development visit devonshirequarter.co.uk