Places Leisure granted planning permission for new padel tennis courts at Gosport Leisure Centre

Padel tennis is a racket sport played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court and is open to groups of mixed ages and abilities. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with over 89,000 active players^*1, however, currently there are only just over 500 courts across the UK and the Channel Islands^*2.

The introduction of padel courts at Gosport Leisure Centre will provide a new and exciting opportunity for local residents to learn and participate in the sport. Once open, Places Leisure expects to welcome around 35,000 visits per year.  Places Leisure have plans to offer various coaching programmes for all levels as well as leagues, competitions and social play events. The courts will be accessible to all and will be available for hire at affordable rates. 

Places Leisure is working in conjunction with the Lawn Tennis Association to deliver the project. The construction of the four courts is expected to begin in Spring 2025.

Danny Churcher, Contract Manager for Test Valley, Gosport & Dorset at Places Leisure, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded planning permission for four brand-new padel courts at Gosport Leisure Centre at such an exciting time for this growing sport.

“Padel tennis is known for its inclusive nature and low barrier to entry, making it an ideal sport to introduce to the community. By offering high quality facilities in a central location, we hope this will make padel tennis more accessible and engage a broader range of participants. Our goal is to create a welcoming space for everyone, from beginners to experienced players while encouraging a sense of community.

“We look forward to working with Gosport Borough Council and the Lawn Tennis Association to deliver this for the community.”

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: "We are thrilled to support the development of new padel tennis courts at Gosport Leisure Centre. This exciting project not only enhances the sporting infrastructure in our community, but also offers a fantastic opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to get active and enjoy a rapidly growing sport.

“We are committed to ensuring that Gosport has accessible, inclusive, and high-quality leisure facilities for our residents, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this new addition."