Padel continues its rise in Manchester

Another nine courts for the rapidly growing sport are planned on a vacant site within the £4bn Victoria North.

Social Sports Society is behind plans for the latest clutch of Manchester padel courts, which will be built on a former industrial plot off Peary Street.

The scheme, designed by architect Holloway, also features four petanque courts, a pair of flexible multi-sport courts, and a climbing wall.

Padel, a blend between tennis and squash, is growing in popularity in the UK. Recent schemes include Club de Padel, which recently launched at Renaker’s Deansgate Square and plans for an 11-court venue on Peel L&P-owned land at Trafford Park.

Asteer Planning is advising Social Sports Society on its plans for the New Town facility. Permission for the venue is sought for the next three years. To learn more about the scheme, search for planning reference 139462/FO/2024 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

The temporary development is proposed on land within New Town, one of the seven neighbourhoods that make up the 383-acre Victoria North masterplan.

Victoria North is being developed by FEC, which has adopted an active approach to activating the area through meanwhile uses.

Next to the site earmarked for padel courts is the proposed Bromley Yard, a 46,000 sq ft co-working container development similar to Pollard Yard in Ancoats.

Meanwhile, Fairfield Social Club will occupy a plot on Irk Street earmarked for a skyscraper for the next two years.