Scarborough Group International has submitted a planning application to build three padel tennis courts at Steel City Stadium in Sheffield's Olympic Legacy Park. The proposal aims to meet growing demand for the sport and integrate with existing facilities. If approved, the courts could open by summer 2026.
Scarborough Group International (SGI) has lodged a planning application to develop three padel tennis courts at Steel City Stadium, part of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. This initiative represents the latest phase in SGI's ongoing investment into the venue, which has already seen more than £10 million spent on developments including a grandstand, a performance nutrition café, and a £500,000 upgrade featuring a coworking lounge.
The courts will be constructed to international standards, complete with lighting and supporting infrastructure, and positioned on the same level as the main stadium concourse. This design allows players easy access to on-site amenities such as changing facilities, a café, and flexible workspace. Padel, a fast-growing sport blending elements of tennis and squash, has limited dedicated facilities in South Yorkshire, and the proposal seeks to address rising demand for accessible, high-quality courts.
Scott McCabe, director at SGI, commented: “Submitting this planning application marks another important step in the ongoing evolution of Steel City Stadium. We have invested considerably in the stadium over recent years, from delivering the grandstand to opening the new café and coworking lounge, and we are committed to ensuring this becomes a vibrant, inclusive and active place for the whole community. Padel is a sport that is growing at remarkable pace across the UK. If consent is granted, we stand ready to deliver these courts quickly and bring a much-needed new opportunity for participation, wellbeing and community connection to the Park.”
Steel City Stadium anchors an 80-acre campus that hosts over 30 organizations focused on sport, applied research, clinical expertise, and education, including Medilink UK, UK NEQAS, Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, and Ice Hockey UK. SGI's broader vision for the park includes up to 1 million square feet of workspace, research facilities, and supporting amenities.