Developers have unveiled ambitious proposals for a 30,000 sq ft multi-use complex in Nottingham, centred on 11 padel courts and designed to become the UK's premier facility for the sport. The project, named Swing, aims to foster community through sports, dining and workspaces if planning approval is granted. Construction could start immediately, with the venue potentially opening within seven months.
Proposals for the Swing venue on Electric Avenue, near the Riverside Retail Park in Carlton, outline a comprehensive hub for padel tennis, one of Britain's fastest-growing racquet sports according to the Lawn Tennis Association. Padel involves doubles play on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a standard tennis court. The £4m development will feature 11 courts alongside an outdoor events area, co-working spaces, a sauna, physiotherapy rooms, sports massage facilities and a reformer pilates studio.
Arran Bailey, managing director of developers ALB Group, described the initiative as a 'pure passion project' driven by his personal enthusiasm for padel, which he has played for two years. 'We’ve got some crazy plans for this site and amazing food offerings, but at the heart of it all is community,' Bailey said. 'This is what the East Midlands padel community needs. We want to create the biggest and best padel court centre in the UK.' Drawing inspiration from facilities in New York, Miami and Dubai, Bailey aims to bring top-tier elements back to his hometown.
The venue's bars and restaurants will be led by the team behind Nottingham city centre's Public coffee chain and Peter's Pizzeria. A Public spokesperson emphasized the social focus: 'We’re building a community founded on connection, conversation and energy. Yes, we want people to come and play, but also to stay to share a drink, work, network and make new connections.'
Local architects Leonard Design will handle the build, with the firm's director aspiring for it to be 'the best padel centre in Europe.' Bailey added: 'This project is absolutely huge in terms of both scale and ambition. To create something like this in my hometown is simply amazing.' Approval would enable swift progress on this community-oriented sports destination.
