Coventry Padel court plans for two city parks
Councillors will discuss a proposal to develop and operate a Padel Court facility at two parks in the city
The latest sporting craze, Padel, may be coming to Coventry as councillors are to discuss plans for courts in two of the city's parks.
A report will be discussed next week at the Council’s Shareholders Committee when it is hoped that the Council will approve the lease of an area of land at the War Memorial Park for the new court.
Support is needed from the Local Authority because it acts as sole Charitable Trustee for the park. The park has been held on trust by the Council since January 2021.
The land earmarked for possible development is next to the existing tennis courts.
Where a local authority is trustee of an asset held in Charitable Trust, it is essential to ensure that the asset is held and applied in accordance with the particular Charitable purpose to which it was conveyed. Responsibility for decision-making and oversight rests with Councillors.
If the proposal is supported the courts will be up and running before peak season ends in Autumn 2026. Applicants to develop the site would be invited this month.
Proposals are also being developed for a court in Longford Park, and the Council will go to the market for both sites at the same time.
Padel is the fasting growing sport in Europe. It is accessible for all as a very inclusive game. The current demand for Padel courts across the UK is vast.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader at Coventry City Council, said: “Our parks and green spaces are amazing facilities that are used by families for lots of activities and we are always supportive of any new projects that can be added – especially where they provide great health benefits.
“Padel courts are becoming really popular, and it could be a great addition to both the War Memorial Park and Longford Park.”
If the proposal is supported the construction and ongoing running of the Padel Court would be the responsibility of the developer.
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change added: “The plans would mean any income generated would go back into other ways of enhancing the parks.
“I regularly use our fabulous local parks, they bring communities together and any additional facilities can only be a benefit.”