A new padel club is planned for Prestwich, marking the sport’s growing popularity in Europe.
- Pure Padel Clubs Ltd is spearheading this development on Brooklands playing fields.
- The facility will include seven padel courts at the Manchester Maccabi Community and Sports Club.
- Bury Council has approved the plans, acknowledging the loss of some recreational space.
- Officials highlight the unmet demand for this sport, with infrastructure crucial for growth.
A new facility for padel enthusiasts is set to rise in Prestwich, as a response to the sport’s increasing popularity across Europe. The facility is being developed by Pure Padel Clubs Ltd on the land formerly known as Brooklands playing fields, which is part of the Manchester Maccabi Community and Sports Club. This expansion signifies the growing interest and participation in padel.
The upcoming club will feature seven courts, comprising four covered padel courts, one open-air court, and two pickleball courts. In addition to these sports amenities, the plans include a clubhouse along with updated car and cycling parking facilities. This establishment will operate on a flexible, pay-and-play model, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of the community.
Endorsement for the project comes from Sam Foakes, interim head of region for the Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for padel in Great Britain. He underscores the swift growth of padel in the region, noting that there are over 90,000 players with this number expected to rise as more facilities are established. Foakes acknowledged the essential role of infrastructure in meeting the burgeoning demand for the sport.
The padel club plans to operate from 9am to 10pm under Pure Padel’s management, independent of the Maccabi Community and Sports Club. Each court will be equipped with six lighting masts designed to minimise light spill while ensuring optimal playing conditions for users, thereby respecting the surrounding residential areas.
Despite the development’s benefits, it has been noted that constructing the club will lead to a reduction of playing fields. However, the developers argue that such initiatives fall under exceptions where existing sports and recreation facilities can be enhanced through partial redevelopment. Last week, Bury Council gave the green light to the plans, indicating a balance between development and preservation.
The new padel club in Prestwich reflects both local and broader European trends towards the sport’s growth.
