Padel courts planned for Blackpool sports hub

Thursday, 5 February 2026 10:25

By Central Radio News

New padel courts have been proposed for Blackpool Sports Centre.

Blackpool Council is now seeking expressions of interest from operators to build and run the new facility off West Park Drive.

The council is offering a ground lease opportunity for construction and operation of padel courts. The available 1,250 sq m space is considered suitable for the provision of four courts along with associated reception, toilet and changing facilities.

Padel has boomed in popularity in recent years. The racquet sport combines elements of both tennis and squash – players use solid racquets and typically play in doubles within enclosed courts. The sport was played by 400,000 adults and children in 2024, according to the Lawn Tennis Association, up from 129,000 the year previous.

Cllr Jo Farrell, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for a business to bring a new facility to the town.

‘’We know how popular padel has become and we hope new courts close to what is already a busy sports hub will become very well used.

“Our wider sports facilities are growing and proving increasingly popular too. New equipment was installed across two of our gyms last year and in January alone 700 people joined the Palatine, Moor Park and Sports Centre gyms, showing the real appetite for sports and leisure options.”

To learn more, visit: www.blackpool.gov.uk/Properties

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

St Annes paddling pool set to make a splash again after repairs funding agreed

Essential repairs will be carried out on the paddling pool at St Annes after funding was agreed by Fylde Council.
Hunt is on for temporary ‘pop-up’ home for heritage trams

Blackpool Transport is on the lookout for a suitable location from which to temporarily display the town’s iconic and much-loved heritage fleet.
Major uproar at plans for 100-home development in Fylde countryside village

A lush meadow which has been part of people’s childhood memories in the Kirkham and Wesham area for generations desperately needs saving from a massive housing scheme, say campaigners.
Blackpool Council update on Adult Services progress after last year’s ‘inadequate’ CQC rating

A damning CQC report on Blackpool’s Adult Social care last year has ended up being a positive wake-up call which has improved services, an annual report concludes.
Community stewardship set to continue at Lytham Assembly Rooms

Lytham Assembly Rooms, home to Lytham Library, is set to remain in the hands of the community that has cared for it for decades, after Fylde Council’s agreed to transfer the freehold of the historic building to Lytham Town Trust.
Contractors working together to create new community hub in South Shore

Contractors working with Blackpool Council have joined forces to create a new community space in South Shore, aiming to upskill residents and help create a more resilient community.
Windfarm cabling reaction and full route explained

A government decision to approve a controversial cabling scheme to connect a pair of offshore windfarms near Fylde to a power station in South Ribble will leave the local landscape it cuts through changed forever, campaigners against the plans have warned.
Duke brings right Royal touch to Blackpool’s Stanley Park for centenary

Cheering crowds of excited children waved union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.