Construction has officially started on a new floating padel destination at Liverpool Waters, which is set to become the first of its kind in Great Britain.
Vibora Liverpool Waters is being developed at Princes Dock and will combine floating padel courts with a waterfront clubhouse, food and drink, retail and a programme of community and wellness events.
The first phase is due to open in September and will feature two floating padel courts alongside a food and beverage offer and retail space.
Players will be able to take to the courts surrounded by water, with views across Liverpool’s waterfront and skyline.
Pay-and-play sessions, corporate memberships and private court hire will all be available.
A third floating court and an extension to the clubhouse are then planned to follow later in the year.
The clubhouse will offer wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks, as well as providing a waterfront space where visitors can socialise, network or watch matches.
While floating padel courts have previously appeared elsewhere in Europe, Vibora Liverpool Waters is set to become the first destination of its kind in Great Britain.
The development has been founded by padel court construction and sports innovation specialist Gareth Evans alongside entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and Huyton-born businesswoman Clare Hughes.
The team is working with Liverpool Waters developer Peel Waters to deliver the project.
As well as traditional padel games, the venue is expected to host community and wellness events, with the founders aiming to create a destination combining sport, hospitality, business and social experiences.
Gareth Evans, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, explained:
“Seeing Vibora Liverpool Waters begin to take shape at Princes Dock is an incredibly exciting moment for everyone involved.
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we wanted to match that energy with a destination that feels equally exciting and ambitious. Playing on floating courts in the heart of Liverpool Waters will be an experience unlike any other in the country.”
Lauren Fenton, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, added:
“From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a place people genuinely want to spend time in. Somewhere that brings together movement, wellbeing, social connection and opportunity.
“Vibora is being built around community. Whether someone comes to play padel, work from the clubhouse, network, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we want them to feel part of something special.”
Vibora Liverpool Waters will also launch its own lifestyle clothing collection inspired by the culture surrounding padel.
Princes Dock is already home to hotels, homes, offices and a growing number of leisure and wellness attractions.
The area is also home to Wyld Sauna, which opened as the UK’s first public floating sauna.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, added:
“At Peel Waters, we’re committed to working in partnership with ambitious operators and businesses that share our vision for creating vibrant waterfront destinations, and Vibora Liverpool Waters is a fantastic example of that approach in action.
“We’re really pleased to be supporting the Vibora team in bringing Great Britain’s first floating padel destination to Liverpool Waters. This innovative concept will add another distinctive attraction to Princes Dock, helping to foster community, wellbeing and social connection, while further strengthening Liverpool Waters’ reputation as a dynamic place to live, work and visit.”
With construction now underway, the first phase of Vibora Liverpool Waters is scheduled to open in September 2026, with further development following later this year.
More information is available from the Vibora Liverpool Waters website, while updates can also be found on Instagram at @viboraliverpoolwaters.
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