Plans for major padel complex in Washington is given the green light

One of the UK’s fastest-growing sports is heading to the region after council development bosses approved plans for a major new outdoor padel complex.

The leisure facility is set to be created at Peel Retail Park in Washington, which already houses a number of businesses including B&M, McDonald’s, Costa Coffee, JD Gyms and more.

The new padel courts complex will be created on a plot of grassland at Peel Retail Park.

placeholder image — The new padel courts complex will be created on a plot of grassland at Peel Retail Park.

Soul Padel Ltd submitted its plans to Sunderland City Council earlier this year to redevelop grassed land at the retail park to facilitate padel, a racket sport which blends elements of tennis and squash and is played in an enclosed court where walls can be used.

In recent years, the sport has gained popularity nationally, with facilities being established across the North East.

Padel is a fast-growing activity in the UK.

Despite this, planning bids for padel facilities within some Washington industrial estates have been blocked by council planners in recent months, including at both the Stephenson Industrial Estate and Crowther Industrial Estate.

But work can now go ahead on creating a new complex at Peel Retail Park which will be made up of nine outdoor courts – eight of which will be protected by rain canopies.

The new centre will also have a reception desk, changing rooms, accessible toilets and a coffee bar.

Soul Padel Ltd was described in planning documents as a “UK-based operator specialising in the development and long-term management of padel facilities”, with a “mission to make padel an inclusive and sociable sport, encouraging participation from people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities”.

Padel is a mixture of tennis and squash, is played in teams of two on a court that is typically surrounded by glass walls which players can bounce balls off.

It was noted that the Washington padel facility would “utilise the existing large car park” serving the site and wider retail park.

Council planners said proposals would “not have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of Washington town centre or Concord district centre” and that developers had “demonstrated that there are no suitable alternative sites available within the designated centres”.

They added the development would “enhance and compliment the leisure offer within the locality” and would “offer an opportunity for people to participate in a new and growing sport which would positively promote active lifestyles.”

The development must be brought forward within three years and the proposed opening hours are 6am to 11pm, Monday to Friday, and 7am to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays.