Three covered padel courts have opened at Withdean Sports Complex – but plans for four more inside have been put on hold.
The three courts have been built and operated by private company Game4Padel, which has been given space in the council-owned complex.
They follow a pilot court which ran into problems when it first opened because of a noise complaint – and then planning enforcement against the screens erected to reduce the noise reaching neighbours in Tongdean Lane.
These padel courts have a canopy and floodlighting for evening use.
Game4Padel already runs the courts at Hove Beach Park, where it’s almost impossible for non-members to book a court because of high demand.
The four indoor courts at Withdean were also going to be funded by Game4Padel, and would be built where the indoor tennis courts currently are in the sports centre. Last June the council said they would be opening within months.
But in September, following an outcry from tennis players, the plans were halted pending the creation of a city wide padel and tennis strategy in consultation with the Lawn Tennis Association. This is still being worked on.
To celebrate the opening, a 50% discount on courts will be available for the first month.
The council’s cabinet member for sport Alan Robins said: “As a major sporting city, we are keen to provide opportunities for residents to participate in a wide range of activities at our leisure facilities and to take up new sports.
“Who knows, in future years we may be celebrating our own home grown padel champions.”
Michael Gradon, CEO of Game4Padel, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our footprint in Brighton with these three new premium covered courts.
“The incredible demand we’ve seen at both Withdean and our Hove Beach Park site proves that this city is a true hotspot for padel.
“There are now reportedly one million padel players in the UK so this sport is continuing its exciting trajectory and facilities like this will help to make it more accessible to even more people.”
