TLDR:
- Padel courts continue to rise in popularity in Manchester
- Social Sports Society plans to build nine new courts on a vacant site within the £4bn Victoria North development
Padel, a blend between tennis and squash, is gaining popularity in the UK with recent schemes like Club de Padel and plans for an 11-court venue on Peel L&P-owned land at Trafford Park. The new courts in Manchester will also feature petanque courts, multi-sport courts, and a climbing wall. The temporary development is part of the Victoria North masterplan and seeks permission for the next three years.
Full Article:
Padel, a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is experiencing a surge in popularity in Manchester with plans to build nine new courts on a vacant site within the £4bn Victoria North development. The project, led by Social Sports Society, will also include petanque courts, multi-sport courts, and a climbing wall.
The rise of padel in the UK is evident with recent schemes like Club de Padel at Renaker’s Deansgate Square and plans for an 11-court venue at Trafford Park. Asteer Planning is assisting Social Sports Society in obtaining permission for the new courts in Manchester, which are part of the Victoria North masterplan.
The temporary development seeks approval for the next three years and is situated within the New Town neighborhood, one of seven areas within the broader Victoria North project. The developer, FEC, has taken an active approach to activate the area through meanwhile uses. Nearby developments include the proposed Bromley Yard co-working container development and the temporary occupation of Fairfield Social Club on a plot earmarked for a skyscraper.
Comments:
- One commenter expressed the need for indoor basketball courts in Manchester
- Another commenter raised concerns about the desire for aesthetic appeal conflicting with Manchester’s weather
Overall, the rise of padel in Manchester reflects a larger trend of urban development and temporary land use strategies in the city.