Kirkby town centre is set to become a premier destination for racket sport enthusiasts as plans move forward to build a state-of-the-art padel facility. 

The Kirkby Neighbourhood Board recently committed £2.5 million of its Pride in Place funding to support Knowsley Council’s vision of bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports directly to the local community.

The significant financial backing will contribute to creating a flexible 32,000 square foot retail and leisure space right in the heart of Kirkby. 

This modern development is designed to accommodate between six and eight premium padel courts, fully equipped changing rooms, a vibrant café, social spaces, and dedicated community areas. 

Exciting New Kirkby Padel Courts Location and Facilities

Over the last year, the Council, working with letting agents Barker Proudlove, has undertaken extensive engagement with leisure operators with the aim of identifying end users capable of delivering a viable and sustainable leisure offer in the town centre. 

From these discussions, Padel emerged as a key opportunity following strong interest from several operators. 

The Council outlined a business case to the Kirkby Neighbourhood Board at a meeting on Friday 19 June and the proposals were unanimously agreed by board members.

Max Steinberg CBE DL, Chair of the Kirkby Neighbourhood Board said: 

“My Board colleagues and I were impressed with the work undertaken by the Council to test the market and consider a wide range of leisure options for the town centre. 

“Padel continues to grow massively in popularity. 

“With more and more people taking up the sport it is clear that operators are actively looking for space to create new facilities. 

“The proposition of being located in a town centre with good access, public transport and parking is a huge plus point and its great news that there has been such a positive interest in Kirkby. 

“One of our main aims, as a Board, is to create a ‘vibrant town centre’ so this seems like a perfect project to support. 

“I am pleased to offer our backing for something that has the potential to really enhance the town centre but with it, also bring health and wellbeing benefits to residents.”

Timeline for the Liverpool Region Padel Project

With funding from the Neighbourhood Board now agreed, a detailed Business Plan will be considered by Knowsley Council’s Cabinet next month, which will seek approval for additional funding contributions to allow the proposal to move forward.

If the total funding package is secured, the Council will look to appoint a design team, secure necessary planning permissions and appoint a contractor. 

Conversations will also continue with a preferred operator with a view to the new facilities being up and running by the end of 2027. 

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