Work begins to build the latest Liverpool city region padel venue offering five courts with a June opening scheduled and 2,500 people already on the waiting list. Tony McDonough reports
There is little sign of the padel craze abating with work starting on the latest five-court Merseyside venue.
Site clearance and groundworks are under way at the six-figure Birkdale Padel Club development in Victoria Park, which is the first project by Sefton Padel. It is scheduled to open in June.
Alongside the courts, the scheme will feature a grab-and-go coffee kiosk, vending machines for playing equipment, drinks and snacks, changing facilities, outdoor seating, cycle storage and an office for staff.
Sefton Padel founder and chief executive Paul McComb has leased the 38,000 sq ft site on a 15-year agreement with Sefton Council. He is being advised on the project by Usha Sharma and Sophie Wilson at Merseyside law firm Bermans.
Birkdale Padel Club will be open daily from 7am until 10pm and already has a waiting list of 2,500 people ahead of its launch.
This new club will offer concessions for blue light workers and under-18s, and will work with local schools by providing free introductory sessions as well as offering holiday coaching camps for youngsters.
Sefton Padel has also committed to using local suppliers and tradespeople through the construction and operational phases. Planning permission was granted in December by Sefton Council.
Property entrepreneur and chartered surveyor Paul said: “We are excited to begin work to deliver a quality asset for the community by making padel accessible and inclusive for all.
Birkdale Padel Club will greatly enhance the recreational facilities on offer at Victoria Park, and we aim to create lasting social and economic benefits. The substantial waiting list shows there is lots of demand.”
Pictured Usha Sharma
The padel courts are being built in Spain by a specialist contractor and shipped to the UK. The site previously housed six tennis courts. Three will be retained and upgraded as part of the development.
Professionals involved in the project include Padel Plan, design and construction practice Wickstead Developments, ICIS Design, Ballpark Developments, Platt Construction and Ashcroft Electrical Services.
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Usha Sharma, a property partner at Bermans, added: “This is a fantastic project for Victoria Park and for Southport as a whole.
“Paul’s vision for an accessible, community‑focused padel venue is already generating huge interest, and we are proud to be supporting Sefton Padel as it brings new investment, activity and opportunity into the area.”