Padel Evolution, a community-focused padel company, have built two courts on land leased by Old Joe’s in Sudbury, opening tomorrow.
Vanessa Woodward, owner of Old Joe’s for nine years, said: “I think it will be very busy because padel’s very popular at the moment, and I don’t think there are any other padel courts in Sudbury.”
Typically played in doubles, padel is a sport that originated in South America and is likened to a combination of tennis and squash, with back and side glass walls to play off.
Ms Woodward has transformed a simple driving range into a thriving community hub, with adventure golf courses, a cafe, and a special needs centre.
“It’s just fabulous now, a lot of families come here, so it’s not like a normal golf course where there’s a dress code and only adult golfers, and everybody’s got to behave themselves and keep quiet; it’s more of a family centre now,” Ms Woodward said.
Ms Woodward, who said she “can’t wait”, said players can book the courts exclusively on the Padel Mates app and hire the racquets from the front desk.