Padel courts set to open at Stanley Park

A new padel facility is set to open at Stanley Park offering a new sports option for residents and generating funds to be reinvested in the park.

Blackpool Council has approved for Soul Padel to take up lease of land next to Blackpool Sports Centre, off West Park Drive. The new four-court facility is due to open early next year.

The council has confirmed that income generated from lease of the site will be ringfenced and reinvested in Stanley Park.Soul Padel has proposed to fund and build a new state-of-the-art facility complete with its own clubhouse, toilets, and changing facilities - subject to planning permission.

The padel courts will also create up to 12 jobs including one apprentice, up to three coaches, and the clubhouse reception manned seven-days-a-week. Padel continues to grow in popularity. Combining elements of both squash and tennis – with players using solid racquets within enclosed courts and typically playing in doubles – the sport is accessible for all ages and abilities.

Soul Padel already has four facilities across England and Scotland. It runs a range of coached programmes to get more people into playing the sport. Its women-only sessions, senior sessions, juniors’ programme, free classes for schools, and holiday club sessions will each be offered from the Blackpool facility.

Cllr Jo Farrell, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “We’re really pleased to be adding another new option to our already wide-ranging sports and leisure offering.

‘’More than 10,000 people have used our sports facilities this year alone, enjoying our three gyms, pools, and outdoor tracks and pitches. Soul Padel are an established and reputable operator, creating communities within each of their facilities where people visit for the social, as much as physical, benefits.

‘’We’re proud that lease of the site will generate extra funds to spend on our beautiful Stanley Park too, especially in such a momentous year for the park.”

Stanley Park this year celebrates its Centenary year. The Grade II-listed park is marking its 100th anniversary with a programme of events and activities, including sporting events, family-focused sessions, heritage walks, and Bandstand performances.

Mark Hewlett, CEO and Founder of Soul Padel, said:  "We're thrilled to be bringing Soul Padel to Stanley Park and to be working with Blackpool Council on a project that will benefit both the local community and the park itself.

‘’Across our existing clubs, we've built welcoming communities through initiatives including Soul Sisters for women, Soul Timers for older players, our free What's That Racket? programme for schools, junior coaching and holiday camps, and we're looking forward to bringing that same community-focused approach to Blackpool. Our ambition is to create far more than four courts.

‘’We want to build a place where people can meet, play and connect, making padel accessible to everyone, whatever their age, background or experience. We're excited to become part of the Blackpool community and help even more people discover the sport."

Soul Padel’s Blackpool facility is expected to open in Spring 2027.