Plans have been revealed to bring padel tennis, one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, to Burnley’s flagship park.
Three covered padel tennis courts, alongside additional parking have been earmarked for the borough’s Towneley Park.
Burnley Council is taking the next step towards bringing the increasingly popular sport to the borough, with plans progressing for new courts at the iconic green space also home to the historic Towneley Hall stately home.
The authority’s ruling executive will consider proposals to develop three covered padel tennis courts, alongside additional parking, at the Causeway End of the iconic green space near Towneley Golf Club when it meets on April 8.
If approved, and subject to planning approval, the scheme will see the transformation of the former redgra shale tennis courts, which have been unused for more than a decade, into a modern year-round sports facility.
Padel tennis, a fast-paced racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, has seen a surge in popularity across the UK.
Several similar developments are currently under way across East Lancashire.
The Lawn Tennis Association has identified significant unmet demand for the sport in Burnley, highlighting the opportunity to expand local provision.
The proposed development forms part of the Council’s 2026/27 capital programme, with £436,000 allocated to deliver the project.
The redevelopment of the former shale courts was also identified as a priority in the Towneley Park Masterplan, helping to bring a long-standing ambition for this part of the park into use.
The courts will be operated by Burnley Leisure and Culture and the income generated will cover the borrowing costs.
With covered and floodlit facilities, the courts will be accessible throughout the year, maximising usage and community benefit.
Burnley Council’s health and culture boss Cllr Jack Launer said: ““This is an exciting opportunity to bring a new and increasingly popular sport to Burnley while making good use of a site at Towneley Park that has stood unused for many years.
“These proposals would create a high-quality, accessible facility that people can enjoy all year round, helping more residents to get active and supporting our wider ambition to provide excellent leisure opportunities across the borough.”
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