Padel has seen a remarkable rise in popularity across the UK. In recent years, participation has rocketed, with hundreds of thousands of players, and court numbers expanding from just a few dozen in 2019 to over 1,000 across the UK last year. It is attracting significant investment from leisure operators, property owners and existing tennis venues looking to diversify their offering.

For developers and landlords, the opportunity comes with legal and practical considerations. Early engagement and careful structuring can help avoid costly delays or compliance issues later.

The rise of padel — and the LTA’s role

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is actively supporting the growth of padel and offers a range of assistance to venues and operators, including:

• Interest-free loans of up to £250,000;
• Letters of support for planning applications;
• LTA venue registration; and
• Ongoing advice from LTA Delivery Managers.

That support can be commercially valuable. However, where a development is intended to align with LTA standards or seek its backing, developers should ensure that court design and construction meet the required technical benchmarks from the outset.

Construction standards and best practice

The LTA follows the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts. It also recommends using SAPCA-affiliated contractors, a list of which is available via SAPCA’s website.

One example of a key technical requirement relates to height clearance. The guidance specifies that the clear, unobstructed height above the playing area should be a minimum of six metres to accommodate floodlighting attached to the structure, with eight metres recommended for new-build facilities. Failure to factor in these requirements at design stage can lead to redesign costs, planning complications or difficulties in obtaining LTA support.

Points for developers to consider

When considering a padel scheme, the key questions often include:

• Does the proposed site allow for the necessary height, lighting and acoustic requirements?
• Has planning risk – particularly noise and visual impact – been properly assessed?
• Are construction contracts aligned with recognised industry standards?
• If LTA support or registration is anticipated, does the specification meet its guidance?

Addressing these issues early can protect investment value and reduce the risk of dispute or delay.

For advice on the acquisition, development and letting of sports facilities – including the development of padel courts – our real estate team is here to help you. From site due diligence and planning strategy through to construction documentation and lease structuring, we work with clients to ensure projects are commercially sound and aligned with best practice standards.