Plans for a new padel facility in Southport have won planning permission – and could open as early as Spring this year.
Birkdale Padel will be created at Victoria Park in Southport after being granted planning permission by Sefton Council.
Visitors will be able to enjoy five new padel courts plus a grab & go coffee kiosk, which will also serve visitors to the park.
The scheme will see the installation of three new padel courts with canopies, two uncovered padel courts, plus a container to be used as a café and to store a vending machine and lockers.
It will be build on the site of the current tennis courts, behind Penelope’s restaurant.
It will see the loss of three tennis courts, however three tennis courts will be revamped.
The scheme saw over 70 letters of support sent to Sefton Council by residents of Southport and neighbouring towns. A letter of support was also received on behalf of Penelope’s restaurant.
A report by Sefton’s Planning team said: “This proposal will result in the loss of three tennis courts and retention of three courts. Currently all six tennis courts are understood to be open to the public and not used by any club.
“Based on the evidence supporting the 2023 Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy (PPOSS) and its Annual Review, it is considered that this proposal would retain sufficient tennis courts to meet identified needs for tennis courts in Southport.
“The Lawn Tennis Association has stated that there is a need for a minimum of 25 padel courts in Sefton where currently 4 courts have planning permission and 7 (plus the courts here) are subject of applications elsewhere in the borough none of which are in Southport.
“Therefore, the proposal is acceptable in terms of policy NH5 in relation to open space and outdoor sport and recreation as it maintains provision for tennis while enhancing the padel tennis provision in the borough.
“In respect of the siting of the proposal within Southport Seafront, this will provide for a new visitor attraction.”
Birkdale Padel will be operated by Sefton Padel Limited.
The Birkdale site will feature:
5 padel courts in total (with Phase 1 – 2 uncovered courts live for Spring, and Phase 2 – 3 covered courts ready by end of Summer)
Vending for balls & racket hire
3 refurbished tennis courts
Changing rooms, toilets & showers
A grab & go coffee kiosk open to the public and Victoria Park visitors
A Sefton Padel Limited spokesperson said:
“Big thanks to Sefton Council for their continued support throughout this process.
“There’s two hours free parking on Rotten Row, accommodating 80+ cars, and Birkdale Padel will be located just behind Penelope’s in Birkdale.
“Join our waiting list at seftonpadel.com to stay up to date with every stage of progress and to be first to hear when membership and court bookings go live.
“For sponsorship details, court naming rights and advertisement opportunities on court glass and across the site, please contact us to join our waiting list, further details to be released following planning approval.
“Thank you all so much for your incredible support — we can’t wait to deliver a world-class padel venue with a top coach.”
In August, Sefton Council announced that it had agreed Heads of Terms for a partnership with Sefton Padel to develop and manage brand new padel facilities at three sites across the borough.
Subject to obtaining planning consent, eleven new padel courts will be developed as part of a six-figure investment programme. They will be located at Victoria Park in Southport, Coronation Park in Crosby and at Formby’s Duke Street Park.
Additionally, nine existing traditional tennis courts will be refurbished to improve facilities for existing and new tennis players.
With its origins in Mexico, Padel is a racquet sport, similar to tennis but played on smaller, enclosed courts. Racquets and balls are also smaller than in tennis and players can bounce shots off the walls.
Founded and owned by local entrepreneur Paul McComb, Sefton Padel is a new Sefton company. After a competitive procurement process, the Council appointed Sefton Padel to lead on the development, delivery, and long-term operation of these facilities.
Sefton Padel’s commitment to the local community and local economy to community engagement includes free introductory sessions for local schools, holiday coaching camps for children and collaboration with local tradespeople and suppliers.
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