Jürgen Klopp’s son lines up lease for Wavertree padel centre 

Land at Liverpool Tennis Centre will be redeveloped into a padel complex, with the city council set to grant a vehicle led by Marc Klopp, son of the former Liverpool manager, a 25-year lease.

Liverpool City Council has issued heads of terms to Padel FC for 1.5 acres at the tennis club, which is currently occupied by disused tennis courts and a car park.

The local authority’s cabinet will be updated on the process at its meeting next week.

In summer 2023 LCC had asked for expressions of interest in developing a padel scheme at the site, looking to secure income from the booming sport – other projects advancing in Liverpool include a floating complex at Liverpool Waters.

Padel FC’s proposal was deemed the preferred option of the two schemes submitted after both bidders presented in September last year.

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Padel FC plans to redevelop the site and provide six indoor and three outdoor padel courts with toilets and a food truck on site, according to a council report.

The scheme will feature a “dome shaped interlocking steel structure with plastic sheeting on top” and will cost £500,000 to develop, the report adds.

Padel FC will pay £70,000 in rent to the city council in the first year and £140,000 thereafter. The company was set up earlier this year and is based out of the Royal Liver Building, according to Companies House.

Marc Klopp, whose dad Jürgen is a keen padel player, is one of four directors that head up Padel FC.

The others are Michael Smith, Carl Spellman, and former Bristol City footballer Bradley Orr.

LCC ‘s cabinet is asked to approve a proposed advertisement for disposal of open space, made up of grass verges, that will enable development.

The director of city development is asked to review any possible objections or representations and approve the granting of the lease.