The UK's leading padel club operator, Game4Padel, has partnered with Gaming International to propose five new padel courts at the redeveloped Abbey Stadium in Swindon. The plans are part of broader proposals to partially demolish the former greyhound racing and speedway venue for housing and community facilities. Officials express confidence that the courts will become a popular community asset.
Abbey Stadium, once home to greyhound racing and the Robins Speedway team in Swindon, hosted its final event at the end of 2025. The site is owned by Gaming International, which has submitted two planning applications: one seeking permission to partially demolish the stadium and develop 130 houses on part of the land, and another to repurpose existing buildings for commercial and community uses, including the proposed 'Abbey Hub'.
Game4Padel, partnering with Gaming International, plans to introduce a five-court padel facility within the hub as part of the North Swindon residential development. The courts would initially be uncovered, with the possibility of adding a retrospective canopy to two of them later.
Chris Lewis, project lead for Gaming International, shared enthusiasm for the initiative. "Padel has become the nation’s new favourite pastime, and we’re delighted to be introducing it at the new Abbey Hub for the benefit of the local community and wider Swindon area," he said. He added, "We’re confident it will become a well-loved part of the Hub, helping to strengthen community connections and encourage more people to get involved in sport. Game4Padel were the obvious choice as partners for us because of their experience in building padel communities and their ‘pay and play’ approach which makes the sport much more accessible."
Padel, described as the world’s fastest growing sport, has attracted celebrities including David and Cruz Beckham, Lionel Messi, Andy Murray, and Stormzy. Forecasters predict it could become an Olympic sport by 2032. Andy Murray is a known investor in Game4Padel, and the Swindon site would be the company's 27th venue.
Michael Gradon, co-founder and CEO of Game4Padel, highlighted local demand. "Padel is growing all across the UK but there is still limited provision in Swindon," he noted. "Our research has shown that there is significant demand for the sport here, and we believe this new facility would be well used by the local community. We have seen how padel has become a facilitator for social interaction and inclusion for those moving to residential developments in other areas. The mental, physical and social benefits of padel are well documented and we hope this site will become a force for good in the local area."
