Planning has been approved for The Padel Club’s new state-of-the-art facility at TraffordCity in Manchester – which will become the biggest padel venue in the north of England.
The Padel Club, based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, will open its second facility with an impressive array of amenities for padel enthusiasts and wellness seekers at a 1.5-acre space at the famous retail, leisure, and commercial destination, after plans were approved by Trafford Council.
The project is being launched in partnership with Peel Waters, the regeneration specialists developing the wider TraffordCity destination and vision. The Padel Club will be a major new hub for health, sport, and socialising – attracting visitors from far and wide, contributing to the economic growth of the region and creating employment opportunities.
The Padel Club will have 11 purpose-built and high specification courts, of which nine will be covered courts and two will be open air courts. The onsite clubhouse will serve as a hub for relaxation and socialising, offering retail spaces, dining options and shower facilities. The approved plans also include a dedicated fitness and conditioning area.
Sustainability has been considered within every detail of The Padel Club at TraffordCity with the new facility benefitting from enhanced landscaping, insect housing, bird boxes and more space for ecology. Members and visitors will also benefit from dedicated onsite EV charging points, allowing them to plug in whilst they play.
With a build cost of around £2.5m, construction of The Padel Club at TraffordCity will take place over summer 2024 and the club is expected to be open by the end of 2024.
Kristopher Ball, Founder and CEO at the Padel Club, said: “We are incredibly excited to expand our Padel Club to the vibrant grounds of TraffordCity. This new facility marks a pivotal moment for us, and we look forward to welcoming both seasoned players and newcomers to experience the joy of padel in this world-class destination.”
The Padel Club’s first site in Wilmslow has become something of a celebrity hot spot, with ex-England cricket captains Michael Vaughan and Jos Butler, Premier League legend James Milner and ex-Ireland international goalkeeper Shay Given among the original investors in the business.
Vaughan, sports commentator and 2005 Ashes-winning captain, said: “This is going to be fantastic. I’m delighted to be involved with The Padel Club and so pleased that TraffordCity has been given the go ahead. I can’t wait for the Padel community to grow. In my humble opinion, padel is the best sport that incorporates all abilities, all ages and is so much fun!”
Shay Given, the ex-Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa goalkeeper, added: “This is such great news for the club, who have worked hard to build a very sociable and successful Padel Club in Wilmslow. I love to play padel – when I get chance! It’s such an accessible and enjoyable sport that everyone can play. We are looking forward to the club expanding to TraffordCity!”
Aimee Fuller, Olympic Snowboarder and BBC Sport Ski Sunday presenter, added: “Padel is such an accessible sport and so much fun to play, it will be a brilliant addition to the mix of sports and leisure venues currently at TraffordCity. When I’m in Manchester I love to play at The Padel Club and now with this new club set to be located next to the UK’s longest indoor ski slope; it will be ace to be able to snowboard and combine a game of padel afterwards.”
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs said: “The Padel Club is a brilliant place to be. Padel is fast becoming everyone’s new sport to play. I started playing with a couple of friends, including Nicky Butt, and I can’t get enough! I’m back on court pretty much every day, if I can.
“I’ve played a couple of tournaments at The Padel Club, it’s been competitive and social. Meeting new players and challenging each other to play better. It’ll be even better when the TraffordCity Club is built!”
Jos Buttler, captain of the Manchester Originals in The Hundred, said: “Padel really is the on-trend sport! Whenever I get the opportunity to play, around my cricket schedule and home life, it’s always a good time. Padel is incredibly addictive, since my first play I just want to get back on court. The announcement that The Padel Club have secured a site at TraffordCity is the best news.”
James Whittaker, Executive Director for Peel Waters said: “We’re really proud to be working in partnership with The Padel Club to bring their fantastic offering to TraffordCity. Peel has had a vision since the early nineties to bring the best retail and leisure offerings and experiences together in one place.
“We are excited that TraffordCity will now be the home of the biggest padel facility in the north to further enhance the unparalleled choice of sport and wellbeing available. The facility will deliver new jobs, grow our local visitor economy and create a must visit destination for padel Fans whilst inspiring a new generation of padel players and fans within our local community.”
