A padel club is set to be constructed on playing fields in Prestwich as the sport continues its rapid growth across Europe. Pure Padel Clubs Ltd will develop the new facility, featuring seven courts, on land previously known as Brooklands playing fields at the Manchester Maccabi Community and Sports Club on Bury Old Road.
The club's amenities will include four covered padel courts, an open-air padel court, two pickleball courts, a clubhouse, and revised car and cycling parking facilities. Operating on a pay-and-play basis, the club will welcome all members of the community.
Sam Foakes - interim head of region for the Lawn Tennis Association, which is the Sport England recognised governing body for padel - expressed his support for the plans. He stated: "Padel is a growing sport in Great Britain.
"There are currently 350 courts with a further 300 in construction or in the planning process. More than 90,000 people play padel in Great Britain.
"With the sport being the fastest growing in Europe this number is set to grow but will be dependent on the infrastructure being in place to enable participation. There is therefore a clear unmet demand for the proposed development, particularly given the level of interest in padel," .
The club is set to operate from 9am to 10pm, with staffing provided by Pure Padel, separate from the Maccabi Community and Sports Club. Each padel court will feature six high fixed lighting masts directed towards the playing surface, ensuring suitable lighting for play while maintaining residential comfort.
The application acknowledges that the construction of the club will lead to the loss of some playing fields. It states: "It is noted that policy resists development which results in the loss of recreation facilities including playing fields. However it is the applicant's position that the proposed development would fall under the exception where sports and recreation facilities can best be retained and enhanced through the redevelopment of a small part of the site."
Bury Council has given its approval to the plans within the last week.
