The new racquet sport of Padel has taken Manchester by storm and is continuing its expansion by opening a second dedicated venue, costing an estimated £2.5million.
This’ll be the biggest and most sustainable Padel facility in the North of England after planning permission was approved at a site in TraffordCity.
The Padel Club was established in 2022, with two purpose-built courts located in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and has attracted the likes of Ryan Giggs to the sport.
Kristopher Ball, Founder and CEO at the Padel Club, said: “this new facility is a pivotal moment for us, and we look forward to welcoming both seasoned players and newcomers to experience the joy of Padel in this world-class destination.”
Padel has been a big hit for celebrities at its Wilmslow site, with ex England cricket captains Michael Vaughan and Jos Butler, alongside ex Manchester City players James Milner and Shay Given being part of the original investors in the club.
Newcomers to Padel don’t need a membership to participate, but are required to download the Playtomic app, with courts costing from £26 – £36 for per hour.
Padel was founded in Mexico in the 1960s, and can be described as a fun, fast paced sport with a mix of tennis and squash, which is typically played as a team of doubles.
It’s a sport that’s exploded in Europe over recent years, with the likes of Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and David Beckham swinging into the game.
TraffordCity’s new Padel club will have 11 purpose-built and high specification courts, nine of which will be covered courts and the other two being open aired.
The approved plans will also include an on-site clubhouse which’ll serve as a hub for relaxation and socialising, with a dedicated fitness and conditioning area to help enhance their on-court performance.
James Whittaker, Executive Director for Peel Waters, added: “We’re excited that TraffordCity will now be the home of the biggest Padel facility in the North to enhance the unparalleled choice of sport and wellbeing available.”
Sustainability has been at the heart of the project, with space for ecology considered alongside having electric vehicle charging points, allowing them to plug whilst they play.
Construction of the Padel Club will take place this summer, and the club is expected to be open by the end of 2024.