The fastest growing racquet sport is set to sweep Cheshire.
This month Ignite Padel announced it would be opening five indoor and two outdoor courts at Cheshire Oaks in August.
Meanwhile, Chester Football Club has confirmed that planning has officially been submitted by Pick Padel Ltd for the development of a Padel and Pickleball facility on site at the Deva Stadium.
The planning application includes plans for both covered and uncovered Padel courts, plus Pickleball courts, as well as a café and changing facilities – all within a section of the car park area.
Chester FC opted to proceed with Pick Padel Ltd following a substantial tender process as numerous Padel development proposals were put forward to the football club during 2024.
If planning is secured, this development would be on a long-term sub lease which will generate significant income annually to the football club.
General Manager Albert Davies said: “This is hugely exciting news for us. After undertaking a rigorous tender process over the best part of a year, we were really impressed with Pick Padel’s plans, as well as their commitment to work alongside us and our community values.
“This is a real opportunity for us to generate significant income as well as opening up potential additional revenue streams.
“As a club, we accept we will have to sacrifice a number of matchday spaces in the Car Park for this potential development, but this is a development that will bring use 365 days a year.
“In addition, we are exploring alternative parking arrangements with local businesses in the area, and we will also be encouraging alternative transport to further enforce our Net Zero commitment.”
Ignite Padel, a Liverpool based company, says the Cheshire Oaks club will have world-class playing facilities, a coffee shop and a retail store as well as regular social tournaments.
Its courts are being imported from Spain and will be championship standard quality and LTA approved.
A spokesperson for Ignite Padel said: “Having the five indoor courts, and two outdoor, will give us greater flexibility in what we’re able to offer and allow us to host top-level tournaments.
“It’s not just about being able to play in all weathers – the indoor game tends to attract more elite players because it is seen as a more pure form.
“It is a different experience to playing outdoors because there’s no wind, so you get a truer trajectory on the ball.”
