Basildon Council has approved plans to build two additional padel courts and extend evening hours at the Basildon Sporting Village. The decision aims to enhance community access to the growing sport. Officials highlight the positive resident response since the courts opened last year.
On Wednesday, Basildon Council approved proposals to expand the padel facilities at the Basildon Sporting Village, located off Cranes Farm Road. The plans include constructing two new courts and extending weekend opening hours from 8pm to 10pm, aligning with the rest of the leisure centre's schedule. The courts first opened in May last year, but their hours had been restricted on weekends.
The council's planning panel determined that the additions would strengthen the centre's offerings and encourage healthy lifestyles in line with government objectives. They also noted that the extra two hours of operation would result in minimal additional noise and light pollution.
Everyone Active, the operator of the facility, expressed enthusiasm for the approval. Area contract manager Tom Fletcher stated: “We’re delighted that plans to expand the padel facility at Basildon Sporting Village have now been approved. The response from residents since the courts first opened has been incredibly positive, showing a real appetite for fun, accessible ways to stay active. This next phase will create even more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular physical activity, supporting healthier lifestyles and further strengthening Basildon Sporting Village’s role at the heart of the community.”
Padel, a racquet sport combining elements of tennis and squash, has become the world's fastest-growing sport. It originated in Spain and has gained widespread popularity across Europe, including in Essex.
Councillor Aidan McGurran, responsible for environment and leisure, welcomed the development. He said: “We’re thrilled that plans to expand the padel facility at Basildon Sporting Village have been approved. This comes alongside budget funding to improve parking, with additional spaces helping residents access both the courts and the wider facility more easily. Since opening, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, showing a real appetite for fun and accessible ways to stay active in the borough. This expansion will create even more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular physical activity and support healthier lifestyles across the borough.”