Thinking About Installing Padel Courts? Here’s What Local Authorities Should Know.

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK – and for good reason. I’ve played the sport for over 4 years, as I was lucky that my tennis and squash club were one of the first clubs in the UK to install padel courts. It’s fun, sociable, great for families, easy to pick up and appeals to a wide range of people. As more communities look for fresh ways to stay active and social, local authorities are also starting to see the potential of adding padel courts to their leisure offerings. 

Padel can be played both indoors and outside. I always say playing inside is a ‘truer’ experience, but playing outside is far nicer in good weather, and the wind and sun add to the fun on occasions plus you are in the fresh air. With the installation of good canopies this is now a great compromise.  

It is worth noting that padel like other sports can generate noise.  If your project is considering an outdoor location its key to consider the noise generated and the erection of the canopies from a planning perspective.  The courts ideally need to be far enough away from housing to reduce any concern.  Regarding noise reduction, there is now the development of specialist noise reducing glass and acoustic curtains to assist with sites that are going to be nearer to housing.  

I would advise the courts ideally need some food and beverage offerings close to them if possible, and changing rooms. There are models of courts without these supplementary products, but as the market matures those with ancillary facilities will I believe fare better. Padel is social and having a drink with friends and family afterwards is part of the experience.  

We can support with the early-stage feasibility to help choose the best location for the courts, how many courts to build and what operating model to select.  We can further support with the business modelling of the scheme to show the viability and consider whether you select to undertake the project and manage it inhouse or to partner with a leading padel development partner.  Alliance Leisure provides a comprehensive support in designing and constructing the project, utilising the RIBA stages to deliver the project through the UK Leisure Framework and can then further supporting with the launch and ongoing marketing to maximise the opportunity for the success of this project. 

Please get in touch if you want to explore a padel installation in any of your facilities, or if you fancy a game then I’m always glad of the practice.