Padel and pickleball could be coming to Spalding town centre with plans for courts on a car park.
Plans have been submitted to South Holland District Council to create the undercover courts and pavilion on Westlode Street.
The location is described as being an ‘established leisure destination’ with the newly-refurbished Castle Sports and the town’s football club either side.
Describing the proposal as ‘a modern sporting facility that complements the surrounding attractions,’ the application has been submitted by Broadgate Builders.
“Introducing dedicated padel and pickleball facilities would strengthen the leisure offer, encouraging visitors to spend longer within the area and supporting existing businesses through increased activity,” says a planning and design document with the application.
The plan would see two double courts and two single courts along with a pavilion and charging bays for electric vehicles.
The outdoor courts are under a canopy to keep out of the weather while the pavilion area will be constructed using recycled shipping containers.
Three 40ft containers, clad in timber and insulated, will create the reception, changing area and toilets for the development.
The courts themselves will be under a vaulted roof supported by a powder-coated frame. Tempered glass will be used for the walls.
The application comes shortly after Raquet Space submitted amended plans for a centre, to include badminton, on Bourne Road.
The initial plans were rejected and one of the reasons was its out-of-town location, despite surrounding land being allocated for a school and housing.
This scheme is backed by a consortium of business owners and community supporters and would see eight courts in total, four inside and four outside, along with a pilates studio and a further three courts would be in the main building along with a cafe, shop and welfare facilities.
