NEW padel courts could be coming to Stratford to meet the increasing demand for the sport.
Plans have been submitted to Stratford District Council for two new competition standard padel courts at The Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, based at the Wildmore.
The new courts will replace existing tennis courts at the site and will be fitted with synthetic playing surfaces, strengthened glass surrounds, floodlighting and canopies to ensure year-round play.
The courts will be available to both members and non-members.
Forecast to become an Olympic discipline by 2032, padel originated in South America and is rapidly growing in popularity across the planet, with more than 25 million active players worldwide.
It provides excellent cardiovascular benefits and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities with well-known players including Andy Murray, Virgil van Dijk, Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Annabel Croft, David and Cruz Beckham, Bradley Walsh, Elle MacPherson and Nicole Scherzinger.
Currently the nearest padel courts for south Warwickshire residents are in Kenilworth.
Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the Bannatyne Group, said: “Wildmoor is one of our flagship clubs and we are excited to bring padel to Stratford. These new competition-level courts will allow our members and the local community to enjoy a sport that is fun, sociable and growing in popularity every day.”
