Liverpool approves floating padel courts

Padel is being taken to the next level at Liverpool Waters’ Princes Dock, where players will be able to compete on three floating courts starting in mid-autumn.

Peel Waters, the developer behind Liverpool Waters, secured planning permission on DATE to install four floating pontoons from Finland. Three of these pontoons will hold Spanish-made padel courts, while the fourth will host a clubhouse with a bar, kitchen, and deck seats. A store selling padel equipment will also be at the clubhouse, as well as a flagship store from an unnamed UK-based leisure brand.

Liverpool City Council granted the planning permission under delegated powers. It is valid for five years, at which point the dock should be restored to its pre-padel state.

Peel stated that this would be the first floating padel court in the country, with Liverpool joining the likes of Dubai, Miami, and Helsinki in bringing the sport to the waves.

“Liverpool Waters is leading the way in bringing innovative, world-class experiences to the UK,” said James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters. “This new floating padel facility will become a flagship destination for the sport and for waterside leisure in Britain.”

Floating padel courts already exist in Helsinki, Miami, and Dubai. Credit: via Peel Waters

A self-proclaimed padel enthusiast, Whittaker continued: “This new floating padel facility will be a must-visit destination for players around the world whilst also providing a new amenity for residents and workers in Liverpool city centre they have never had before. Whether they’re playing, spectating, or socialising in the club, we look forward to our community discovering how much fun this sport is for all.”

The team behind the Liverpool padel court includes floating padel expert Ville Leisti, Bluet Floating Solutions, leisure designer Imagineering Global, and Padel Ventures founder Gareth Evans. Pegasus is the planner, while RSK provided the biodiversity net gain assessment and habitat regulation advice.

Evans teased that there was more to come from the development.

“Getting planning permission for the UK’s first floating padel destination is just the start,” he said.

“We’re planning exciting partnerships, activations, and experiences,” Evans continued. “This development will bring together stylish gear, vibrant social spaces, and top-tier padel courts all in one location.

“This club will be more than just a place to play, it will become Liverpool’s newest social and sporting hotspot right on the dockside.”

You can learn more about the project by searching reference number 25F/0460 on Liverpool City Council’s planning portal.