Liverpool served 60,000 sq ft padel boost
Ignite Padel is due to more than double its existing complex by Liverpool John Lennon Airport, meanwhile Northedge Architecture has lodged plans to convert a 30,000 sq ft vacant warehouse into courts.
Ignite’s proposals will see the sports facility grow from 27,500 sq ft to 56,000 sq ft, with the company taking over a vacant unit off Stirling Road from landlord Marshalls. The deal was arranged by Savills.
When work on the expansion completes in August, the Speke complex will be Ignite Padel’s largest facility in the North West.
With its expanded footprint, Ignite’s Speke operation will grow from six indoor courts to 13, with another four courts situated outside (but covered). There will also be a viewing alery added, a restaurant created, and a wellness centre brought in with sauna, steam room, and bath.
The larger space also comes with more parking – with Ignite Padel customers able to access 130 parking bays rather than the 30 they currently use.
“Our vision for Speke has always been about pushing the boundaries of what a padel club can be,” said Chris Watson, partner at Ignite Padel.
“We want Ignite Padel to be at the very heart of the communities we serve.
“By expanding Speke into the biggest site in the UK, we aren’t just meeting the massive local demand for courts – we are creating a world-class venue capable of bringing international, elite-level FIP tournaments right here to Liverpool, while maintaining a welcoming, vibrant hub for local families and players.”
Tom Buck, general manager at Ignite Padel, pointed out that demand for padel has been strong.
“In just over a year we will have created 30 courts across Liverpool and Cheshire,” Buck said.
“The journey has been amazing and all of us at Ignite Padel are very proud to be part of this fantastic sport.
“This expansion will also see us reach 60 members of staff in total, adding another 15 jobs to the local economy. Furthermore, we are proud that all of our contractors – from electrical to building – are always local firms from the Liverpool area.”
Just a mile north of the Ignite Padel complex sits a vacant, 30,000 sq ft shed at the Viscount Centre. Situated off Gaskill Road, this is the site that Northedge Architecture has reimagined as a padel complex.
Here, the shift to padel would be a temporary one, with permission only sought for three years of operation.
Ten indoor courts would be created in the shed, alongside a reception, café, and changing area. The padel building would make use of the warehouse’s existing 32 parking spaces, with covered cycle bays brought in for those utilising active travel.
To learn more about the Northedge Architecture plans search reference 26F/1868 on Liverpool City Council’s planning portal.
