Over 2,000 eager players have already applied to sign up to join the new Sefton Padel facility in Southport – with the planning application for the exciting new facility only submitted this week!
Sefton Padel is eager to create five padel courts on the site of the tennis courts at Victoria Park in Southport, home of the famous Southport Flower Show.
The firm is also willing to fully refurbish three tennis courts.
In a boost for park users, a new grab & go coffee kiosk will open to the public and Victoria Park visitors.
Owners hope to be able to open the new Birkdale Padel in Spring 2026.
The planning application submitted to Sefton Council proposes the installation of three padel courts with canopies, two uncovered padel courts, and a container to be used as a café and to store a vending machine and lockers.
It also involved the conversion of an existing building within the wider car park for use as a kiosk to manage padel operations, provide hot drinks and food to padel users and other members of the public, and a changing facility and WC.
The submission says: “The applicant, Sefton Padel, is a newly established locally based company.
“The business was created with the ambition to bring high-quality padel facilities to the local area, promoting active lifestyles and community wellbeing through this fast-growing sport.
“Following a competitive procurement process, Sefton Council appointed Sefton Padel to lead on the development, delivery, and long-term operation of new padel facilities within the borough.
“Sefton Padel is deeply committed to supporting the local community and economy.
“Its approach goes beyond providing new sporting infrastructure, it aims to create lasting social and economic benefits. The company has pledged to deliver free introductory padel sessions for local schools, organise holiday coaching camps for children, and collaborate with local tradespeople and suppliers throughout the construction and operation phases.
“Through this partnership with the Council, Sefton Padel seeks to make padel an accessible and inclusive sport for all, while generating local employment and investment opportunities.
“The company’s focus on community engagement and sustainable growth ensures that the proposed development will bring tangible long-term benefits to Sefton’s residents and its wider sporting network.
“The proposed scheme at Victoria Park, has been announced publicly prior to the submission of this application.
“As a result of the publicity, Sefton Padel has received over 2,000 requests to join a waiting list to use the facility. The applicant has also engaged with representatives of the Penelope’s Birkdale, who are understood to have not raised any objections to the proposals and are supportive of measures that increase users of the park.
“The proposal is for the installation of three canopy covered padel courts and two uncovered courts and a container for a café / vending facility.
“The proposed courts will be constructed on three of the existing six tennis courts located in Victoria Park; the remaining three tennis courts will be refurbished as part of the development.
“The proposal also includes the installation of canopies over three of the five padel courts. These structures will provide weather protection, allowing for year-round use of the facilities, as well as assisting in noise mitigation.
“The proposals also include the provision of a café kiosk and vending area, to be accommodated within a container-style building, alongside associated seating and landscaping.
“The remaining unaffected existing three tennis courts will be repainted, relined with the nets also being replaced. Any necessary surface repairs will be undertaken in order to ensure a flat playing surface. Any damage to the existing perimeter fencing will be made good.
“It is proposed that visitors to the padel facilities, who choose to drive to the courts, will need to use the existing public car parking facilities on Rotten Row.
“In addition, the existing unused building within the wider car park will be reconfigured to provide unisex changing facilities, WCs, and space for an office and kiosk to support the padel operation. This kiosk will also provide takeaway coffees for both users of the padel courts and of the wider park facilities.
“The development will deliver social, economic and sustainability benefits by enhancing Southport’s recreational offering and supporting Victoria Park and Sefton through a diversified range of sporting facilities.”
A Sefton Padel Limited spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled to announce that the planning application for Birkdale Padel, on behalf of Sefton Padel Limited, has now been officially submitted!
“A massive thank you to everyone for your patience — we had to wait for a number of specialist supporting surveys to be completed before submitting.
“We’ve also made an exciting update… our court surface colour will now be blue! This provides better visibility and matches the colour used on the professional tour.
“Big thanks to Sefton Council for their continued support throughout this process.”
What is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court measuring 10 metres wide by 20 metres long, which is slightly smaller than doubles tennis court. The court is surrounded by a combination of glass and mesh walls, which keep the ball in play and allow for rebound shots, which is one of the defining features that make the game dynamic and strategic. The court is divided by a low net and surfaced with artificial turf or porous concrete, providing consistent bounce and safe footing.
Players use solid, stringless bats, known as padel rackets, made from composite materials such as carbon fibre or fibreglass. These rackets are perforated with holes to reduce air resistance and improve control. The ball used is similar to a tennis ball but slightly lower in pressure, producing slower, more manageable rallies.
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