The developers of Liverpool Waters want to bring the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's first ever floating padel courts to the city's waterfront.
Padel, considered the fastest growing sport in the world, is a racquet sport that merges elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles.
Peel Waters' proposed facility will be located at Princes Dock at Liverpool Waters and will feature three floating courts.
These would be constructed on a special floating platform from Finland, with the courts themselves manufactured in Spain. Documents have now been submitted to Liverpool Council's planning department, aiming for an opening this summer.
This is the latest floating development for the city, following the Wyld Sauna concept which opened on the dockside last Autumn. As part of the plans, players and spectators would have the opportunity to socialise in a waterside clubhouse, complete with a bar, kitchen and decked seating area.
A small specialist retail store would also be situated within the clubhouse. Padel has already gained popularity on Merseyside, with three specialist courts installed at Liverpool Cricket Club in November 2023, reports .
Padel is gaining traction among sports personalities, with notable fans including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who has invested in Game4Padel, and former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, who has been spending time on the court since leaving Anfield. England white-ball cricket captain Jos Buttler is also an enthusiast.
James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters, said: "We are really pleased to be bringing the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's first floating Padel courts to Liverpool Waters. This floating concept demonstrates the open approach we have at Peel Waters to welcoming innovative, new ideas and collaborating with forward-thinking businesses to use our portfolio as a testbed for unique, º£½ÇÊÓƵ-first activations on water and the surrounding land."
He added: "We have thousands of residents, workers and visitors already on site at Liverpool Waters and we are constantly looking at new ways to connect-up the community and new activities for them to experience. This new facility will be an iconic, must-visit Padel destination both for Padel enthusiasts and general spectators encouraging more socialising, friendship forming and opportunities for the area."
Gareth Evans, who is leading the padel court project, said: "One of the reasons we love Padel so much is the social side of the sport, and so it's not just about creating a new landmark leisure concept, it's about creating something the community will enjoy and businesses will want to use.
"We want to make a space which gets people out socialising and encourages people to pick up a racquet and have a go. The design of the space will create an environment that celebrates the sport and the uniqueness of the location, whilst also providing a space to watch the world go by, grab a drink, relax in and enjoy being by the water."
A decision on the site by the local planning committee is anticipated this spring, aiming for a summer opening.
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