Padel’s growth in the south west of England is expanding beyond the hotbed of Bristol into neighbouring Gloucester with two exciting new venues opening imminently.
Bristol has six extremely popular padel facilities and the appetite for the game clearly extends up the M5 too with 12 new courts on their way for the lucky denizens of the cathedral city.
Just in time for summer, Riverside Leisure and Fitness Club is set to open three padel courts on 5 July. The Riverside oasis already boasts fantastic facilities, such as swimming, squash, tennis, fitness classes, creche, bar and restaurant. The installation of the padel courts will add a whole new dimension to their already thriving club.
Manager Phil Taylor said: “The club is looking to welcome both its current members and guests to the latest addition to the club facilities. Rackets and balls will be available to hire. Both members and non-members will be able to book courts either through reception or online through our booking system.”
In addition, one of the UK’s fastest growing operators, The Padel Club, has announced they are launching a nine-court Club at the previous Toy R Us Unit in Gloucester. It was reported locally last October that Swedish company We Are Padel (who have clubs in Bristol and Derby) had agreed to take over the unit, but The Padel Club has now taken the reins of the project.
The Padel Club brings a stellar reputation and an abundance of experience from their hugely successful club in Wilmslow, Cheshire. The Gloucester site has been designed by Zynk Wellness Design and building work will commence this month with the plan to launch this autumn. The club will not only provide state of the art courts but also a social hub in the heart of the city.
The Padel Club grabbed the opportunity to partner with Peel Retail and Leisure and open a club in a location with strong ties with brilliant local businesses and a well-established sporting scene.
Kris Ball, CEO of The Padel Club, said: “We are very much aware of the popularity of the sport for sports people and Gloucester has one of the most impressive rugby teams in the country. We get professional rugby players, footballers, cricketers, and athletes coming to our venue in the north west and can see the opportunity to bring our brand of padel to an inherently sporting community. We have shared values which are important to our growing team.”
The Padel Club recently announced their plan to build the largest padel facility in the north at Manchester’s Trafford City, with the first spades in the ground going in last week.
Ball added: “We are going to build a facility that the people of Gloucester can be proud to use and call their own. The team at The Padel Club will work to bring together as many of the successful strategies that make our vision for padel so attractive and unique, making it accessible to all. The customer experience is essential for our club, and we feel that between the coaching, the courts, and the facilities, we have something to be overwhelmingly proud about.”
First-round investors of The Padel Club include 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, current England limited-overs skipper Jos Butler, Premier League stars James Milner and Shay Given. They have supported the club’s concept from the beginning and are proud to see the number of clubs are rising.
Vaughan said: “This is going to be fantastic. I’m delighted to be involved with The Padel Club and that we have agreed a further site in Gloucester. In my humble opinion, padel is the best sport that incorporates all abilities, all ages and is so much fun!”
Given, former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, said: “This is such great news for the club, who have worked hard to build a very sociable and successful Padel Club in Wilmslow. We are looking forward to the club expanding into Gloucestershire.”
Ball also revealed that The Padel Club are “on track to be open at three locations by the end of the year, featuring a total of 28 padel courts! With many more site announcements coming very soon!”
With Gloucester padel fans currently served only by Bristol and the three courts at East Glos Tennis Club in Cheltenham, the new clubs will be a very welcome addition to the city.
