Padel court plans for new industrial estate in Wolverhampton

The new padel courts would open in two units at the G5 Industrial Park in Spring Road, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton.

The fast-growing sport, which is a mix of squash and tennis, was invented in Mexico in the late 1960s. It is played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court and uses the same scoring system.

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Players use solid, stringless rackets to hit a smaller ball over a net. The ball can bounce off the walls, similar to squash, and uses similar balls to tennis but with less pressure.

Wolverhampton Council approved plans in 2022 for the new G5 Industrial Park in 2022 and it was built a year later.

A statement included with the planning application said: “The applicant seeks to use the site as an indoor padel tennis club.

“The building’s characteristics are well-suited for padel tennis facilities. No external changes are proposed to the units, except for signage which would be dealt with in a separate application if necessary.

“Padel is a rapidly growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court.

“The game is easy to learn, accessible to a wide range of age groups and skill levels and promotes social interaction and physical activity. Given the popularity of the sport, there is a high demand for padel tennis facilities.

“The intended opening hours are from 6am to 11pm.

“The nature of the setup is for coded access and automatic lighting working on a booking basis, like some gyms and other padel facilities.

“The early and late hours will allow customers to play before and after work.

“An ancillary refreshment provision and a seating area to allow customers to socialise before and after playing would be provided.

“Changing and welfare facilities would also be provided.”