Britain’s first floating padel club is only weeks away as construction has begun on Vibora Liverpool Waters.
While floating courts have appeared elsewhere in Europe, Vibora Liverpool Waters will be the first destination of its kind in the UK (as reported by The Padel Paper in September 2024).
Located within the Princes Dock neighbourhood at Liverpool Waters, the destination will initially comprise of two padel courts, a food and beverage offering and retail space.
Working closely with waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters, the unique, floating leisure development has been founded by Gareth Evans, leading specialist in padel court construction and sport innovation, alongside entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and local businesswoman Clare Hughes.
Together, the founders share a vision of creating a destination that brings together sport, hospitality, wellness, business and community, offering a different kind of experience to a traditional padel club.
Evans told The Padel Paper: “It’s been a challenge and it’s taken two and a half years, but we’re on site now. The build is going to take about four weeks and we’re looking at a mid-September opening. There’s lot of logistics to get our heads around, but it’s so exciting.”
He added: “Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we wanted to match that energy with a destination that feels equally exciting and ambitious. Playing on floating courts in the heart of Liverpool Waters will be an experience unlike any other in the country.”
Phase two of the development will see a third floating court added later this year. The clubhouse will form a central part of the experience, with a selection of wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks available before and after matches, as well as providing a space for networking, socialising and watching the action from the waterfront.
Alongside traditional padel will be a programme of community and wellness events, creating a flexible destination for players, businesses, groups and visitors to Liverpool.
Lauren Fenton, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, added: “From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a place people genuinely want to spend time in. Somewhere that brings together movement, wellbeing, social connection and opportunity.
“Vibora is being built around community. Whether someone comes to play padel, work from the clubhouse, network, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we want them to feel part of something special.”
Extending the brand beyond the courts, Vibora Liverpool Waters will also launch a lifestyle apparel collection inspired by the culture and community surrounding the sport.
Liverpool Waters has become one of the UK’s most exciting waterfront destinations, with Princes Dock home to thousands of residents and workers, leading hotels, the Cruise Liverpool terminal and a growing mix of leisure and wellness attractions.
The success of neighbouring Wyld Sauna, the UK’s first public floating sauna, has highlighted the demand for unique experiences that make the most of the waterfront setting.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, added: “At Peel Waters, we’re committed to working in partnership with ambitious operators and businesses that share our vision for creating vibrant waterfront destinations, and Vibora Liverpool Waters is a fantastic example of that approach in action.
“We’re really pleased to be supporting the Vibora team in bringing Great Britain’s first floating padel destination to Liverpool Waters. This innovative concept will add another distinctive attraction to Princes Dock, helping to foster community, wellbeing and social connection, while further strengthening Liverpool Waters’ reputation as a dynamic place to live, work and visit.”
