Last summer, it was reported that under-utilised outdoor tennis courts at Birchwood Community Hub were being eyed up for conversion for padel tennis.
Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet approved a motion to develop three outdoor, covered, and lit padel tennis courts.
These were to be installed and managed by external operator Soul Padel, which would also be responsible for maintaining the courts.
Now, an application has been submitted to the council’s planning department seeking full planning permission for three padel courts.
These would replace the two southernmost tennis courts, leaving the remaining two unaffected, with the new padel courts to be covered by a canopy and with boundary fencing.
A single-storey clubhouse is also planned by applicant Soul Padel Ltd at the Benson Road site, in the form of a modified 40ft shipping container.
This would house a reception desk, accessible toilet, coffee bar, and storage facilities.
One of the world’s fastest growing sports, padel is a hybrid of tennis and squash, played on courts similar to by 25 per cent smaller than traditional tennis courts, with glass surrounding walls.
It would be open to all members of the public through a booking system.
A previous council report stated: “Birchwood Community Hub drives LiveWire’s community tennis programme.
Plans have been submitted for padel tennis courts at Birchwood Community Hub (Image: Newsquest)
“It offers Warrington residents of all ages and abilities the opportunity to engage in tennis through a range of initiatives across four external and four indoor tennis courts.
“There has been little investment in the outdoor tennis courts at the site since they were treated and repainted in 2018/19.
“This report sets out the proposal to create a padel tennis facility at Birchwood Community Hub, by converting two of the under-utilised outdoor tennis courts into padel courts
“In doing this, Birchwood Community Hub would become a designated centre for racket sports within the borough.”
The report goes on to say that there are currently no permanent padel courts in east Warrington, with the proposal expanding the current racket sport offer at Birchwood Community Hub.
Plans have since been submitted to create three outdoor padel tennis courts at Culcheth Sports Club.
It is said that new dedicated padel courts in Birchwood would attract new residents, appeal to a new demographic, and generate additional revenue.
“While this would reduce the number of outdoor courts at Birchwood Community Hub, these courts have been under-utilised, due to no lighting and weather conditions restricting play,” the report adds.
“The costs associated with all areas of the project will be funded by the provider, and there are no costs to the council.
“The council, as the landowner, will receive a fixed rent and a share of the revenue income, along with the benefits of additional secondary spend, such as vending machines and leisure memberships.”