Plans approved for 1.5-acre padel development at TraffordCity
The Padel Club is to open a facility with 11 courts at Peel Waters’ TraffordCity scheme in Greater Manchester, after its plans for a 1.5-acre development were approved by Trafford Council.
The proposals will create the biggest and most sustainable padel facility in the North of England.
Nine of the 11 purpose-built courts will be covered and two will be open-air. Proposals also include a clubhouse, retail space, dining options and shower facilities.
The Padel Club is to open a facility with 11 courts at Peel Waters’ TraffordCity scheme in Greater Manchester, after its plans for a 1.5-acre development were approved by Trafford Council.
The proposals will create the biggest and most sustainable padel facility in the North of England.
Nine of the 11 purpose-built courts will be covered and two will be open-air. Proposals also include a clubhouse, retail space, dining options and shower facilities.
The plans also include a dedicated fitness and conditioning area.
Sustainability features include onsite EV charging points, enhanced landscaping, insect housing, bird boxes and more space for ecology.
With a circa £2.5m build cost, construction of the Padel Club at TraffordCity will take place over the summer and it is expected to be open by the end of the year.
Investors in the Padel Club include former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, former Premier League footballer Shay Given and England cricketer Jos Buttler.
James Whittaker, executive director for Peel Waters, said: “The facility will deliver new jobs, grow our local visitor economy and create a must-visit destination for padel fans while inspiring a new generation of padel players and fans within our local community.”
Kristopher Ball, founder and chief executive at the Padel Club, said: “This new facility marks 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.”
Vaughan said: “I can’t wait for the padel community to grow. In my humble opinion, padel is the best sport that incorporates all abilities, all ages and is so much fun.”
Given said: “This is such great news for the club, who have worked hard to build a very sociable and successful Padel Club in Wilmslow. I love to play Padel when I get the chance. It’s such an accessible and enjoyable sport, that everyone can play.”
Buttler said: “Padel really is the on-trend sport. Whenever I get the opportunity to play, around my cricket schedule and home life, it’s always a good time. Padel is incredibly addictive, since my first play I just want to get back on court.”
Aimee Fuller, Olympic snowboarder and BBC Sport Ski Sunday presenter, said: “Padel is such an accessible sport and so much fun to play, it will be a brilliant addition to the mix of sports and leisure venues currently at TraffordCity.”
Ryan Giggs, former Manchester United FC footballer, added “The Padel Club is a brilliant place to be; Padel is fast becoming everyone’s new sport to play. I started playing with a couple of friends, including Nicky Butt, and I can’t get enough. I’m back on court pretty much every day, if I can.
“I’ve played a couple of tournaments at the Padel Club, it has been competitive and social. Meeting new players and challenging each other to play better. It will be even better when the TraffordCity Club is built.”
Dominic Pozzoni, head of Colliers Manchester, which advised Padel, said: “Padel is the UK’s fastest emerging sport and Trafford City is the ideal place for the Padel Club’s latest North West site, set in the heart of the UK’s prime leisure destination.”
Images from Peel Waters
