Plans lodged to bring new home for booming sport to Washington – and the scheme even includes a café
Plans for a new “indoor padel sports centre” in Washington have been submitted to council development chiefs.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for unit 3A off Stephenson Road, which sits within the Stephenson Industrial Estate in the Washington North ward.
Supporting planning documents submitted to council officials note the industrial unit has been used for a “storage and industrial function”, with new plans aiming to change this use to a “leisure facility.”
Submitted planning documents confirm the proposed development is linked to padel, a racket sport played with specialist equipment in small enclosed courts, where walls are part of the courts and can be used in play.
In recent years, the sport has gained popularity nationally with dedicated plans for padel facilities emerging across the North East, including at sites in Sunderland and South Tyneside.
This includes recent plans submitted to Sunderland City Council’s planners in late-2025 seeking permission for a padel development at a unit within Crowther Industrial Estate in Washington.
Separate plans for an “indoor padel sports centre” at the Stephenson Industrial Estate unit are proposing seven courts, and it was noted that “even at full capacity”, the courts would “generate a maximum of 24 players, supported by an average of five staff members”.
Plans for the padel facility also include a “dedicated studio space suitable for warm-ups, stretching or complementary exercise classes”, a reception area, a “compact café and social lounge for customers, spectators and players”, “modern changing rooms, shower and WC facilities” and staff, storage and operational management areas.
Details of the development are set out in a planning statement submitted to council officials, which states the proposed development represents “a sustainable and efficient re-use of a high-quality industrial building, bringing it back into active use for a community-serving recreational purpose”.
It was noted that “no external alterations are proposed to the building as part of this application” and that “the existing structure, roofline, external elevations and access arrangements will be retained without modification, ensuring that the visual character and integrity of the wider Stephenson Industrial Estate remain unaffected”.
Meanwhile, applicants stated that “the existing forecourt and surrounding estate parking areas will continue to accommodate staff and visitor parking, with the established vehicular and pedestrian access points utilised as present”.
Applicants also described the development as a “low-impact conversion that revitalises an underused building, enhances local recreation opportunities, and contributes to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding community”.
In terms of economic impacts, those behind the padel scheme said the development would involve the “creation of 10–15 direct jobs across management, coaching, operations and hospitality”, as well as wider “indirect expenditure through increased local footfall, supporting nearby businesses on Stephenson Industrial Estate”.
The planning statement adds: “The proposed development will generate tangible economic benefits at both a local and regional scale through the reactivation of a currently underutilised industrial unit.
“By transforming the premises into a high-quality, indoor leisure destination, the scheme will reintroduce the building into productive use and contribute positively to the sustainable growth of Washington’s local economy.
“In the short term, construction and fit-out activities will support employment within the building and trade sectors, benefiting local contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
“Over the longer term, the operational phase will deliver a range of permanent employment opportunities, including roles in management, coaching, customer service, and hospitality.
“The development of a padel facility will also provide new pathways for local sports professionals and coaching networks, further supporting the area’s growing health and leisure industry.”
Those behind the development maintained the padel facility would “serve as a social hub for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, offering opportunities for recreation, coaching, and informal exercise in a safe, high-quality environment”.
It was argued that the development would “contribute to Sunderland City Council’s ambition to foster healthier, more active lifestyles” and “provides a new opportunity for participation in sport without the barriers often associated with larger, membership-based fitness centres”.
The planning statement adds: “The facility’s accessible location, flexible operating hours, and inclusive ethos make it well suited to serving both the local workforce and surrounding residential population.
“It will also provide a valuable asset for local schools, clubs, and wellbeing initiatives seeking indoor facilities for community use.”
A decision on the planning application is expected following a council consultation exercise.
Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website lists a decision deadline of March 5, 2026.
For more information on the plan, or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference: 25/02937/FUL
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