Merseyside's £6-Figure Padel Revolution: 11 Courts Coming to Transform Britain's Fastest-Growing Sport Scene

Merseyside is about to become Britain's next major padel destination with an ambitious plan to build 11 state-of-the-art courts across three prime locations. Sefton Council's groundbreaking six-figure investment will establish world-class facilities at Victoria Park (Southport), Coronation Park (Crosby), and Duke Street Park (Formby).

Game-Changing Features

The new facilities will include covered courts for year-round play – addressing Britain's unpredictable weather head-on. Each site features smart entry systems and automated lighting, positioning these among the country's most sophisticated padel installations. Sefton Padel, the newly-formed local company awarded the contract, is targeting a spring 2026 opening for the first facility, with construction beginning later this year pending planning approval.

Community at the Heart

This isn't just about sport – it's about inclusive community access:

• Free access for local schools during designated hours

• Discounted rates for young people, NHS workers, and low-income households

• Free trial sessions to get people started

"Padel attracts a wide range of people from school-age to older residents looking to stay active," said Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council.

Beyond Padel

The investment also includes comprehensive refurbishment of nine existing tennis courts across the three sites, creating complete racquet sport hubs that serve multiple communities.

The Padel Boom

Described as a hybrid between tennis and squash, padel has exploded globally with 30 million players worldwide. It's easier to learn than tennis but offers the tactical complexity that keeps players hooked as skills develop. The project emerged from community advocacy, with Hannah Duffy from Friends of Alexandra and Coronation Park initially raising the concept in 2024. "We're confident that Sefton Padel shares our ambition to create a lively, inclusive space that brings lasting value to the community," she said. Community consultations begin in the coming months, ensuring local input shapes the final designs. This represents more than new courts – it's Merseyside's recognition of padel's potential to enhance community health, social cohesion, and economic vitality for years to come.