Work on two new padel courts will soon get underway – despite initial concerns they will be “visually intrusive” and “noisy”.
The popular racquet game, described as a hybrid between tennis and squash, will arrive in Sandwich following approval from Dover District Council earlier this year.
Work will begin in the spring to construct two padel courts at Sandwich Tennis Club
Originally, three courts were set to be installed at Sandwich Tennis Club in Sandown Road, but a variation, approved last month, altered it to two.
Fundraising for the new courts is currently underway, including via grants, loans and membership fees at the club, which offer unlimited free play for a year, with more than half already sold.
Committee member Lloyd Daniels said it’s hoped work will begin in late April or early May to have the courts ready for the summer season.
“Our padel project is already creating lots of local interest. Padel is becoming such a popular sport in the UK and is a natural partner to tennis,” he added.
Sandwich Tennis Club committee member, Lloyd Daniels
“We had permission for three padel courts, but as time went on, it felt more prudent to start with two, hence the amendment.
“We are lucky with our site in that we only have houses across the road, along one side of the club, which are far away from the proposed padel courts.
“Padel courts are quite expensive, ranging from £30,000 to £50,000 each, and the groundworks are the same again.
“We are funding the project through grants, loans and founder memberships.
“A few of our tennis members are worried about the change it will bring to the club. However, we believe once it’s up and running, everyone will benefit from a better-funded, busier club.”
In total, 26 comments for and five objections were logged on DDC’s planning portal.
It’s hoped the new padel courts at Sandwich Tennis Club will be open in the summer
Margaret Carnegie, who opposed the plans, said: “For the project to be financially viable, the padel courts will need to be used substantially, which will increase the pressure on access and parking spaces, which are already at a premium.
“The courts will be visually intrusive, and padel is a notoriously noisy sport, which will have a real impact on neighbours.”
But Grahame Connor commented: “Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It would be great for Sandwich to have this facility in the heart of the town.
“It is particularly suitable for getting younger and older people into sport. Many will be new to the activity, and it provides exercise in a social environment.”
Nearby in Deal, Play Padel Club at Victoria Park, close to Tides Leisure Centre, was named the best club in Kent by the Lawn Tennis Association in Kent.
The team took over the site in 2023, which had once hosted tennis courts labelled “dull and unwanted”.
Padel venues can now be found in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone and Whitstable, with a project in Ramsgate also underway.
The Thanet project will be Kent’s first purpose-built padel centre.