News has reached The Padel Paper of two separate projects to build spectacular new padel clubs in aircraft hangars.
The first, set to open in March, is at Fairoaks Airport in Chobham, Surrey, and will see operators Padel Tree open a six-court facility inside an underused hangar and adjoining single-storey brick building.
The club’s defining feature will be the repurposing of large south-facing sliding doors that open out on to the former runway. These will be retained and used to introduce daylight, long views and a sense of openness to the venue.
The existing brick building next door will house changing rooms, toilets, café space, storage and a staff office.
There will be seating alongside each court, next to the hangar doors and in the cafe space to “support spectating, social interaction and dwell time.”
The site is close to the McLaren Technology Centre near Woking, just over a mile from where the M25 meets the M3.
Operators Padel Tree currently have three sites in Bushey, Arkley and Finchley, with three more in the pipeline including the Fairoaks airport site, Broxbourne and Wimbledon.
Meanwhile, another padel venue with an aviation-themed history is being planned at an aerodrome in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.
Two Grade II listed hangars, built in 1916 on Watnall Road, were used for the secret development of the Merlin engine and the world’s first piloted vertical take-off jet powered aircraft, known as the Flying Bedstead.
The airfield was closed in 1971 but Rolls-Royce continued to test engines nearby until 2008.
The site is now used by events firm Mellors Group Ltd for storage. The company has submitted plans to Ashfield District Council to transform two hangars into an eight-court padel facility.
“Converting this underused historic building to an indoor sports venue would provide active community uses to the local residents, schools and community groups and improve the character of the currently mainly industrial area,” said documents submitted to the council.
The documents added that a staircase leading to a mezzanine viewing platform and seating area, would be located within the main hangar.
