The building would accommodate four courts. Credit: planning documents

Latest Preston padel scheme in for planning

27 March 2025 08:14 Neil Tague Comments (0)

An 18,500 sq ft former food distribution warehouse in Fulwood is subject of a four-court application as the game’s growth continues.

Plans now validated by Preston City Council request a change of use consent at Belgrave Court, Caxton Road.

Applicant Performance Padel Preston, working with building consultancy Leeming Associates, wants to turn the vacant building into a centre with four courts, spectator viewing, changing facilities, café and staff facilities.

The site in total amounts to 50,000 sq ft. The application asks permission to increase the site’s 22 car parking spaces up to 82 spots, by way of reallocating the eight articulated lorry parking spots associated with the building’s prior use.

The existing building envelope will be retained, with only minimal changes made, such as signage and improved access.

Across the North West and beyond, padel venues have exploded in popularity, becoming a regular part of planning agendas in towns and cities.

For landlords in possession of older industrial or retail buildings that have fallen from favour in their original field, padel has followed uses such as trampoline parks as a potential alternative use.

For Preston’s part, outdoor padel facilities in the city have been opened at West View, Ribbleton Lane; and at Broughton & District Club, a facility that has been offering activities since the 1890s at Whittingham Lane.

An indoor facility. Just Padel, is now operating in a former Staples and Office Outlet unit off Corporation Street in the city centre, which had been empty for more than five years.

In its design & access statement, Leeming said “This proposal represents a sustainable and beneficial repurposing of an underutilised warehouse, supporting health and wellbeing through sport.

“The padel tennis centre will provide a high-quality recreational facility that is accessible, inclusive, and well-integrated into the local community. We respectfully request the Local Planning Authority’s support for this application.”

The Fulwood proposals can be viewed on Preston’s planning portal with the reference 06/2025/0279.