A new sporting hub could be on the horizon in Rochdale as proposals emerge to transform wasteland at a local sports club into the town’s first dedicated padel tennis facility.
Rochdale may soon join the growing number of towns embracing the UK’s fastest growing sport, as plans have been lodged with Rochdale Council to build six padel courts on land next to Rochdale Cricket, Lacrosse and Squash Club on Bridgefold Road.
The new Rochdale Padel Club would feature four covered courts, two open-air courts, and a brand-new clubhouse complete with changing rooms, a cafe, and a raised terrace overlooking the courts. Parking is also included in the proposal.
The scheme, submitted by The Padel Architects, aims to transform currently unused land described as “overflow standing space” into a modern, multi-sport destination.
If approved, the development would add padel to the existing line-up of cricket, lacrosse and squash at the long-established club, enhancing its role as a key community sporting venue.
In documents submitted to the council, the architects state the project will “create a complementary sporting offer” and promote inclusivity, health and wellbeing across the borough.
“Padel tennis has quickly earned a reputation in the UK as one of the most accessible, social and inclusive racquet sports on offer,” the design statement notes. “Its smaller courts, underarm serves, and wall rebounds make it easy to pick up for people of all ages and fitness levels.”
Played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, padel combines elements of squash and tennis. Players use solid, stringless racquets and a lower-pressure ball. The sport’s appeal lies in its fast pace, long rallies, and social nature, particularly among families and mixed-age groups.
Interest in the sport has surged nationally. According to figures from the Lawn Tennis Association, over 400,000 people in the UK tried padel in 2024, with the number of courts more than doubling to 1,000 across 325 venues by July 2025.
Rochdale’s planned facility would tap into this momentum, transforming a currently neglected patch of land into what the developers describe as “a fully integrated sports destination”.
“The proposed Padel Club has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the site’s potential,” the architects said. “Padel has a proven track record for creating lasting inclusive communities and can revitalise this sporting hub.”
No date has been confirmed for a planning decision, but the proposal forms part of a wider trend of investment in Rochdale’s health, wellbeing and sporting infrastructure.
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