A new padel club development in Prestwich promises to enhance local sports facilities, attracting growing padel enthusiasts.
- Pure Padel Clubs Ltd plans to build seven courts on the former Brooklands playing fields, approved by Bury Council.
- The facility will include indoor and outdoor courts for padel and pickleball, plus a clubhouse and improved parking.
- Operated by Pure Padel, the club will run from 9am to 10pm, providing open access to community members.
- Lighting features aim to balance play quality with residential comfort, despite some playing field loss.
In a significant development for sports infrastructure, a new padel club is set to be constructed on the disused Brooklands playing fields in Prestwich. This project, led by Pure Padel Clubs Ltd, reflects the growing popularity of padel, a sport that has seen increased participation across Europe and the UK. The new facility will feature seven courts designed to both accommodate and encourage this trend.
Bury Council recently approved the plans for this development, which will be situated on land that forms part of the Manchester Maccabi Community and Sports Club. The project includes components that cater to varied sporting interests, with four covered padel courts, an open-air court, and two courts for the increasingly popular sport of pickleball. Additionally, the plan involves the construction of a new clubhouse and enhanced parking facilities for both cars and bicycles.
These courts will operate on a pay-and-play basis, aiming to be accessible to all community members while offering extensive hours from 9am to 10pm. This operational model underscores the inclusive vision Pure Padel has for the facility, dissociating it from the Maccabi Community and Sports Club’s existing operations.
Sam Foakes, the interim head of region for the Lawn Tennis Association—recognized by Sport England as the governing body for padel—has expressed support for the initiative. He stated, “Padel is a growing sport in Great Britain. There are currently 350 courts with a further 300 in construction or in the planning process. More than 90,000 people play padel in Great Britain. With the sport being the fastest growing in Europe, this number is set to grow but will be dependent on the infrastructure being in place to enable participation.” This highlights the increasing demand for such facilities to meet the needs of enthusiasts and beginners alike.
A noteworthy aspect of the development is the advanced lighting system proposed for the courts, aimed at ensuring optimal playing conditions without disturbing nearby residential areas. Each court will feature six high fixed lighting masts directed towards the playing surface, reflecting a careful consideration of both player experience and local residential comfort.
Despite concerns about the loss of some playing fields, the application argues that the redevelopment offers a valuable opportunity to enhance sports and recreation facilities in the area. The applicant contends that the development aligns with exceptions in policy where such enhancements are achievable.
The new padel club in Prestwich represents a strategic development to support the growing sport, balancing community needs with modern facilities.
