Work on what will be the UK’s first floating padel courts starts on Liverpool waterfront. Tony McDonough reports
Construction has started on Vibora Liverpool Waters which will be the UK’s first floating padel courts.
Located within the Princes Dock neighbourhood at Liverpool Waters, close to the Pier Head, the destination will combine multiple floating padel courts with a waterfront clubhouse. It is due to open in the autumn.
This development has been founded by Gareth Evans, one of the UK’s leading specialists in padel court construction and sport innovation, alongside entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and Huyton-born businesswoman Clare Hughes.
This project will be delivered in two phases. The first phase will open in September and will comprise two floating padel courts, a food and drink offering and retail space. Pay-and- play options, corporate memberships and private hire of the courts will be available.
A third floating court and club-house extension will follow later this year. The clubhouse will form a central part of the experience, with a selection of wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks available before and after matches.
Alongside padel games will be a full programme of community and wellness events, creating a flexible destination for players, businesses, groups and visitors to Liverpool.
Gareth Evans said: “Seeing Vibora Liverpool Waters begin to take shape at Princes Dock is an incredibly exciting moment for everyone involved.
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we wanted to match that energy with a destination that feels equally exciting and ambitious. Playing on floating courts in the heart of Liverpool Waters will be an experience unlike any other in the country.”
This is one of multiple new padel developments being built across Liverpool city region. A 40,000 sq ft padel club is being built close to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, Birkdale Padel Club is another new venue while national operator Powerleague is spending £850,000 expanding its Liverpool facilities.
James Whittaker, managing Director of Peel Waters, added: “This innovative concept will add another distinctive attraction to Princes Dock, helping to foster community, wellbeing and social connection.”