Chapel Allerton tennis club plans £500k padel court expansion as demand soars

A historic Leeds tennis club is seeking permission to create new padel courts to meet demand for the fast-growing sport.

Chapel Allerton Tennis and Squash Club has asked the council for permission to upgrade its facilities.

An existing traditional tennis court would be converted into two padel courts under the proposals.

Floodlights would also be erected around two all-weather tennis courts at the club on Wensley Avenue under separate plans submitted to Leeds City Council.

A design report said the club was struggling to meet demand for its existing two padel courts, which opened in 2023.

It said: “In the past 12 months, padel court usage between 9am and 9pm on weekdays is at approximately 87 per cent.

“In contrast, the year-round usage for the club’s outdoor tennis courts is approximately 32 per cent.”

Overall membership of the club, formed in the late 19th century, had also risen by 43.5 per cent, the report said.

It said: “This is evidence, not only of the popularity of the club as a community facility, but it supports the justification for providing additional padel courts.”

The club said the shortage of padel courts was leading to a loss of revenue.

It said: “The estimated project cost is approximately £500,000 and entirely self-funded by the club.

“The club is committed to make this significant investment following the success of the existing padel court facilities to which the demand exceeds the court availability.”

The club was started in 1880 with 17 male players and has since expanded to more than 2,000 members.

A squash court was added in the 1960s and a gym was built at the club in 1986, the report said.

It said: “Today the club benefits from 15 tennis courts, two padel courts, six squash courts, a fully equipped gym, with a clubhouse including changing room facilities and bar serving light refreshments.”

A full planning application for the padel courts is out for consultation until November 25.