Work has begun on a new five-court padel venue in Southport, scheduled to open in June.
Site clearance and groundworks are underway at the six-figure Birkdale Padel Club development in Victoria Park, which is the first project by Sefton Padel.
Alongside the courts, the scheme will feature a grab-and-go coffee kiosk, vending machines for playing equipment, drinks and snacks, changing facilities, outdoor seating, cycle storage and an office for staff.
Sefton Padel’s founder and chief executive, Paul McComb, has leased the 3,600 sq m site on a 15-year agreement with Sefton Council.
He is being advised on the project by Usha Sharma and Sophie Wilson at the North West law firm Bermans.
Birkdale Padel Club will be open daily from 7 am until 10 pm and already has a waiting list of 2,500 people ahead of its launch.
Paul McComb, a property entrepreneur and chartered surveyor, commented on the community impact, he said:
“We are excited to begin work to deliver a quality asset for the community by making padel accessible and inclusive for all.
“Birkdale Padel Club will greatly enhance the recreational facilities on offer at Victoria Park, and we aim to create lasting social and economic benefits.
“The substantial waiting list shows there is lots of demand, and people are continuing to sign up via our website.
“We look forward to opening the venue once the initial phase of works is completed, and welcoming padel enthusiasts to take part in this fast-growing sport.”
Community Focused Sport and Local Investment
The club will offer concessions for blue light workers and under-18s, and will work closely with local schools by providing free introductory sessions as well as offering holiday coaching camps for youngsters.
Sefton Padel has also committed to using local suppliers and tradespeople through the construction and operational phases.
Planning permission was granted in December by Sefton Council, which said the scheme would be a positive addition to the character of the area.
Usha Sharma, a property partner at Bermans, added:
“This is a fantastic project for Victoria Park and for Southport as a whole.
“Paul’s vision for an accessible, community‑focused padel venue is already generating huge interest, and we are proud to be supporting Sefton Padel as it brings new investment, activity and opportunity into the area.”
Other professionals involved in the project include Padel Plan, design and construction practice Wickstead Developments, ICIS Design, Ballpark Developments, Platt Construction and Ashcroft Electrical Services.
The padel courts are being built in Spain by a specialist contractor and shipped to the UK.
The site previously housed six tennis courts; three will be retained and upgraded as part of the development.
Supporting the Growth of Padel in Sefton
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, welcomed the partnership and the growth of the sport:
“Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the UK and we want to make sure we’re serving our sport-loving communities in the best way possible.
“We are pleased to be working with a partner in Sefton Padel who will help maximise public assets, enhance sports facilities in the borough, and work closely with us to ensure that this scheme delivers both financial and wider social value to our communities.”
