New operators Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse, a disused Grade II listed landmark on the edge of Leeds city centre.
The building, near to the city’s Armley Gyratory, was first proposed as a padel venue two years ago but the previous operator withdrew despite proposals having been recommended for approval.
Ollo Padel has now taken up the mantle on the project to bring the Victorian building back into everyday use as a community-led padel and leisure space before the end of 2026.
Part of Leeds’ South Bank regeneration zone, the Roundhouse club will have five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
The plans for the centre have prioritised sustainability, ensuring that facilities include generous cycle parking and EV charging alongside a highly accessible city-centre location designed to encourage walking and public transport use.
The team behind Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships and youth development, inclusive programmes for women and juniors, social leagues and community club nights with a pledge to create an accessible, non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The Roundhouse was opened in 1847 and designed by Thomas Grainger. The three-acre site is a seven minute walk from Leeds City Centre and is easily accessible by foot, bike and public transport.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Ollo Padel will reveal more details for the development, offer and the timescales for opening over the coming months.
Will Linley, co-founder (and founder of Linley & Simpson estate agents) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection.”
Co-founder Luke Gidney said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.
“We’re incredibly excited to create a place Leeds can be proud of — somewhere that feels welcoming, social and full of life. A space where people can play, connect and feel part of something special right in the heart of the city.”
Leeds has been a somewhat slow starter among the UK’s major conurbations in terms of padel infrastructure. Aside from the 12-court Slazenger Padel in the east of the city, and six outdoor courts at nearby Wetherby, the West Yorkshire city has lagged behind Manchester in terms of growth.
However, another new operator, Optimum Padel, has also announced the opening of an eight-court facility in March this year on the Cross Green Industrial estate to the south east of Leeds city centre.
