Two innovative padel facilities are set to transform disused aircraft hangars into sports venues in the UK. Padel Tree plans a six-court club at Fairoaks Airport in Surrey, opening in March, while Mellors Group aims to create an eight-court site at Hucknall Aerodrome in Nottinghamshire. These projects highlight the growing popularity of padel in unique, historic settings.
The padel boom in the UK is taking an unexpected turn with plans to repurpose aircraft hangars for new clubs, blending aviation history with modern racket sports.
At Fairoaks Airport in Chobham, Surrey, operators Padel Tree will open a six-court facility in March inside an underused hangar and an adjacent single-storey brick building. The design incorporates large south-facing sliding doors from the former runway, allowing natural daylight, expansive views, and a feeling of openness. The brick structure will include changing rooms, toilets, a café, storage, and a staff office. Seating will be provided courtside, near the hangar doors, and in the café area to encourage spectating, socialising, and extended visits. The site lies near the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, just over a mile from the M25-M3 junction. Padel Tree already runs clubs in Bushey, Arkley, and Finchley, with further developments planned in Broxbourne and Wimbledon.
In parallel, at Hucknall Aerodrome in Nottinghamshire, events firm Mellors Group Ltd has proposed converting two Grade II listed hangars on Watnall Road—built in 1916—into an eight-court padel venue. These hangars once hosted the secret development of the Merlin engine and the world's first piloted vertical take-off jet, the Flying Bedstead. The airfield shut in 1971, though Rolls-Royce conducted engine tests nearby until 2008. Currently used for storage, the site could gain new life as a community sports hub. Planning documents to Ashfield District Council state: “Converting this underused historic building to an indoor sports venue would provide active community uses to the local residents, schools and community groups and improve the character of the currently mainly industrial area.” A staircase will lead to a mezzanine viewing platform and seating in the main hangar.
These initiatives underscore padel's rising appeal and creative adaptation of industrial spaces for recreation.
