Eastleigh Football Club has submitted a planning application to add seven covered padel tennis courts to its Silverlake Stadium grounds. The proposal aims to expand the club's facilities with the popular racket sport. If approved, the courts would replace an existing parking area.
Eastleigh Football Club is seeking to diversify its offerings by incorporating padel tennis, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. The club has filed a planning application with Eastleigh Borough Council to construct seven enclosed courts on a hardstanding parking area east of the Silverlake Stadium.
The proposed development would feature courts with synthetic turf surfaces, surrounded by metal posts fitted with clear toughened glazing and open mesh panels for enclosure. To ensure minimal disruption, lighting will consist of eight downward-facing LED floodlights per court, integrated into the structure to reduce light spill into surrounding areas. Additional security measures include a four-metre perimeter fence and gated access points.
This initiative reflects the club's efforts to enhance its infrastructure and attract a broader range of activities. Padel's rising popularity could bring new visitors to the stadium, potentially boosting community engagement with sports. The application is open for public consultation, with residents invited to share their feedback with the council by February 20.
While the project awaits approval, it underscores the evolving landscape of community sports facilities in the area, balancing expansion with environmental considerations like controlled lighting.