The largest padel venue in Wales, Padium Cardiff, is preparing to open in the coming months, bringing eight indoor courts to Cardiff Bay Retail Park. This expansion from London's Padium marks the brand's first venture outside the English capital, addressing the growing demand for premium padel facilities in South Wales. The venue will offer a range of amenities including coaching, a cafe, and a spa, aligning with the area's ongoing redevelopment.
Padium, known for its high-profile club in London's Canary Wharf, is replicating its premium model in Cardiff. Opened almost two years ago with backing from Spotify co-founder Martin Lorentzon, the London site has capitalized on the UK's padel boom. Now, construction is well underway at the 35,000 square foot site, formerly an Argos store, with the owners sharing progress via social media videos.
Houman Ashrafzadeh, Padium's founder, called the expansion a 'significant milestone.' He stated, 'The demand for high quality padel facilities in Wales is at an all-time high and we’re excited to introduce our premium offering to this vibrant sporting city. Cardiff Bay’s transformation makes it the perfect location for our next club, bringing together high-performance sport and lifestyle in a way that has resonated with London’s growing padel community.'
The new club will feature eight indoor courts, luxury changing facilities, a players' lounge, co-working space, pro shop, cafe/bar, and a spa with sauna. A Padium spokesman emphasized the opportunity: 'The city’s strong sporting culture, combined with the fast-growing popularity of padel makes Cardiff an ideal location for Padium’s expansion. Currently, padel facilities in Cardiff are limited to a handful of outdoor courts, with no dedicated indoor premium clubs – a gap Padium aims to fill.'
This opening coincides with Cardiff Bay's redevelopment, which includes a 15,000-capacity indoor arena, new homes, offices, and leisure spaces. Padium is one of three new padel centers in Cardiff: Smash Padel plans six covered courts at Llandaff Bowling Green, while David Lloyd in Penylan seeks permission for five padel courts. Existing options include House of Sport's six indoor courts and Game4Padel's single court in Penarth.
Padel, a doubles racket sport blending tennis and squash, uses solid paddles and low-compression balls on enclosed courts with glass walls, making it accessible and strategic for players of all levels.