Padel growth continues with £2m TraffordCity complex 

An 11-court venue is to be constructed on Peel L&P-owned land at Trafford Park as the sport’s popularity continues to surge. 

The Padel Club, which first launched in Wilmslow, has submitted an application to Trafford Council to build what would be the largest club dedicated to the sport in the North West. 

The £2m project would be constructed on a 1.5-acre site next to Chill Factore. 

Subject to planning approval, construction could begin this year. It is anticipated the club will take four months to build. 

“We will be launching a fantastic new sport into a destination that is already thriving with other excellent sporting businesses,” said Kristopher Ball, founder and chief executive of The Padel Club. 

“We very much look forward to sharing more detail about our club plans.” 

The scheme will feature a pair of open-air courts and nine covered courts. Additionally, there will be a clubhouse and facilities that will provide a social space for players. 

James Whittaker, executive director of development at Peel L&P said the scheme fits in with the company’s vision for Trafford City, which is already home to a variety of sporting facilities. 

“We’re passionate about health, wellbeing and community.  

“From skiing and soccer to sky diving, snowboarding and golf, Trafford City is the only destination in the UK to offer all of these activities in one place and we are very excited to be able to add Padel to our fantastic mix of inclusive sport and social experiences, whilst supporting further job creation and opportunities within our local community.” 

Padel is a racquet sport typically played in doubles on enclosed courts and is often described as a hybrid between squash and tennis. It originated in Mexico and is popular in parts of mainland Europe, including France and Spain.   

In recent years, the sport has started to take off in the UK. The number of clubs is growing but demand far outstrips supply at present. The closest club to Manchester at present is in Wilmslow. 

However, developers and operators are beginning to act on the opportunity the sport presents. 

In July, Club de Padel lodged plans for a four-court complex at Renaker’s New Jackson neighbourhood. 

In recent months, plans for padel courts have emerged in Wirral, Preston, and Wrexham.