There was further proof of padel’s improving relations with the UK’s local authorities this week as Sefton Council in Merseyside invited tenders from operators to build courts in three local parks.
The council have offered underused public tennis courts in Southport, Formby and Crosby to interested parties who could repurpose them into brand new padel facilities and refurbish some of the tennis courts back to playable standards.
Sefton Council is now seeking to identity a “responsible and experienced development and operating partner” to help breathe new life into the sites in Victoria Park in Southport, Coronation Park in Crosby and Duke Street Park in Formby.
Since the rise in demand for padel facilities across the UK began, operators have expressed frustrations at the difficulties of engaging with local councils over projects and the slow and overly-complex process of planning applications.
But as reported by The Padel Paper last week, there are signs that these frictions are starting to ease, with the LTA taking the lead on a strategy for more efficient working relationships with Manchester City Council that it’s hoped can be replicated across the UK.
Sefton Council’s proactive approach will doubtless be welcomed by padel operators. Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “This isn’t any old racket – it’s the fastest growing sport in the UK and we want to make sure we’re serving our sport-loving communities in the best way possible.
“We have identified three sites within the grounds of Victoria Park, Coronation Park and Duke Street Park that are tennis courts but are perhaps not as well used as they once were.
“By putting out these sites to tender to find a responsible and community-focused operator, we can ensure our communities will get fully refurbished tennis court spaces as well as brand new padel courts.
“While this does mean there will be slightly fewer traditional tennis court spaces, what will be available will be hugely improved as well as bringing in new sport opportunities to the area.”
The move is supported by a number of volunteer groups, including the Friends of Coronation Park (FoCP). Hannah Duffy from FoCP said: “As one of the fastest-growing sports, padel is incredibly popular and will be a fantastic addition to the park.
“This development is a perfect fit with our efforts to transform Coronation Park into a vibrant community hub that will benefit local residents for years to come. The introduction of padel will attract a diverse range of park users, support the surrounding area, and boost local businesses, enhancing the park’s appeal as a dynamic destination for everyone.
“With ongoing projects to create an inclusive playground for all children and refurbish the lake, we are truly entering an exciting phase of transformation.”
