With padel being the world’s fastest growing sport and the fastest-growing sport in the UK, the demand for both private and public courts has increased accordingly. As more clubs and individuals consider adding padel facilities, a common question arises: what is the cost of building a padel court UK?
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), who are the national governing body for the sport, plans to increase the number of courts from 350, to 1,000 courts in Great Britain by the end of 2025, making it a great time to invest in building a padel court, with more funding and resources available than ever before.
The LTA have invested £6 million into 40 padel facility projects funding a total of 75 new courts, as they aim to grow the number of annual padel players from 129,000 to 400,000. The LTA also aims to have 400 padel courts in place across Great Britain by 2023, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity.
An enclosed court can enhance the gameplay experience and is a popular choice for many new padel clubs to ensure it can be used in all weathers and to leverage investment. Padel courts are being installed across the UK, including in Wales and England, reflecting the sport’s widespread appeal.
Whether you’re looking to construct a padel court in your back garden for that wow factor, or an investor interested in understanding more about the costs associated with building a padel court in the UK, we’ll cover it all in this article.
Introduction to Padel
This fun and extremely sociable game is easy to learn and play, making it a fantastic addition to sports clubs, leisure centres, and tennis and padel facilities looking to attract new members of all ages. Padel courts are uniquely designed to blend the best elements of tennis and squash, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for players.
The sport is typically played in a doubles format, which not only maximizes court usage but also increases the revenue potential for clubs and leisure centres. Thanks to its low maintenance requirements and the use of artificial turf surfaces, padel facilities are an attractive, cost-effective option for venues aiming to integrate padel into their existing offerings. Whether you’re a club manager or a leisure centre operator, adding padel courts can help you tap into the growing demand for this exciting sport in the UK.
What is the Cost of Building a Padel Court UK?
The most common surface for playing padel is sand-dressed artificial turf, which is often blue or green and provides optimal playing performance and durability. However, other surfaces such as hard (macadam) and synthetic rubber are also used, each offering different playing characteristics.
Many excellent UK-based court manufacturers and contractors can design courts based on your performance and budgetary needs.
Breakdown of Construction Costs
For more detail on the costs involved, the average cost for a new build padel court is usually in the region of £55,000 – £80,000, with the initial investment typically ranging from £45,000 to £75,000+ in the UK, covering various construction and equipment costs. The cost of building a new padel court is typically in the region of £28,000 to £35,000 for a good basic court and £70,000 to £85,000 for a professional court that’s either inside a building or that has a canopy.
The average cost to build a padel tennis court is between £10,000 and £20,000. Here is a breakdown of specific costs:
Installation labour costs: £15,000 to £25,000
Lighting systems: £3,000 to £8,000
Ground preparation: £800 to £1,600
Fencing: £8,000 to £16,000
Considering a well-maintained padel court can last up to 20 years, the investment is certainly worth it.
Key Cost Factors
These costs cover the extensive groundwork, full-court specs, and any ancillary equipment required. Because the foundational groundwork for a padel court takes up almost half of the budget, reusing an existing foundation, like a tennis or squash court, can significantly reduce costs.
Whether for an outdoor padel tennis court cost or an indoor court for public or private use, the padel court cost factors depend on your specific requirements and how you plan to integrate padel into your space.
Padel courts are 25% smaller than traditional tennis courts, making them easier to integrate into smaller spaces. Many leisure centres are now looking to integrate padel into their facilities due to its growing popularity and the ability to maximize space usage.
Due to the high demand for padel across the UK, established tennis clubs are also converting some of their tennis courts to padel courts instead to try and meet demand, especially as up to 3 padel tennis courts can be built on the equivalent of 1 tennis court.
When it comes to usage and revenue, clubs can implement a pay-to-play system to generate income, with rental costs for padel courts typically ranging from £20 to £40+ per hour, and peak rates reaching £80 per hour in major cities like London.
Local Councils are also looking to see how they can build padel courts given the popularity of the sport, and the biggest challenge currently being where to find a padel facilities near you.
Key Factors Affecting Padel Court Construction Costs
There are several activities involved in padel court construction, each affecting the overall cost. The design of padel courts is a combination of features from tennis and squash, which influences both the construction process and the final cost.
Main Cost Factors
The extent of groundwork needed
Whether planning permission is needed in your area
Number of padel courts (building costs can often be reduced the more courts you build)
Base, sub-base and drainage system used
Selected artificial turf grass or court surface used
The quality of the glass walls used
Any environmental mitigation methods required on-site
Necessary floodlighting, fencing, and equipment needed
Funding options available for developing or enhancing tennis and padel facilities, such as the Quick Access Loan Scheme offered by the LTA
Equipment and Accessories
Additional work may be involved in the form of ancillary equipment or civil engineering. It’s best to budget additional funds for this, should groundworks be required as this can influence the final cost of building a padel court in the UK.
This can include:
Access pathways and driveways
Standings or seating areas around the padel court for spectators during a game
Car parks or any other surrounding steel structure you wish to include
Padel Court Dimensions
One of the primary considerations when deciding to build a court is the padel court dimensions themselves. With a court measuring 20m long x 10m wide you’ll need to be sure you have enough space to dedicate to your new court.
The unique dimensions and design of the court make it an ideal space to play padel tennis, offering a distinct and engaging experience compared to traditional tennis.
Padel Court Design and Construction
Designing and constructing a padel court involves several key components, each contributing to the overall functionality and aesthetics of the court. The primary elements include the court surface, fencing, lighting, and additional amenities that provide support for proper gameplay and safety.
The court surface is a critical factor, with artificial turf being the most popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Padel courts typically feature transparent glass walls that allow players to play the ball off the walls, enhancing the unique gameplay experience.
Padel courts are also enclosed with fencing made of galvanized steel, typically around 3 to 4 meters high, which ensures the ball stays within the court while providing clear visibility for spectators. High-quality materials, such as panoramic glass, can increase the costs of building a padel court.
Proper lighting is essential for evening play, and LED floodlights are commonly used to ensure optimal visibility. Lighting should be installed at a height of at least 6 meters to avoid interfering with the game. Additional amenities such as seating areas, access pathways, and parking can further enhance the court’s appeal and functionality, offering support for both players and spectators.
Labour costs, including installation and construction, also play a significant role in the overall expense. Hiring experienced professionals ensures that the court is built to high standards, providing a safe and enjoyable playing environment for years to come. When considering indoor versus outdoor courts, it’s important to note that indoor courts require significant structural investments, including roofing, HVAC, and insulation, making them 15-25% more expensive than outdoor courts.
Court Features and Equipment
A standard padel court measures 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, featuring enclosed glass or mesh walls and a robust steel structure to ensure safety and durability. The court surface is most commonly made from artificial turf, which provides excellent traction, comfort, and low maintenance for clubs and leisure centres.
Essential features such as access pathways and secure fencing are designed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for both players and spectators. When it comes to equipment, padel clubs and leisure centres will need to supply specialised paddles, balls, and nets, all tailored specifically for the sport.
The choice of court surface, particularly artificial turf, is crucial for long-term durability and ease of maintenance, making it a popular option for clubs seeking to minimise upkeep. Additionally, well-designed lighting and electrical systems are vital to ensure the court is accessible and safe for players of all ages, day or night.
Lighting and Accessories
Lighting is a crucial element in padel court construction, ensuring that players enjoy a safe and well-lit environment regardless of the time of day. A high-quality lighting system should provide even illumination across the entire court, minimizing glare and shadows that could affect gameplay.
LED lighting is a popular choice for padel courts in leisure centres and clubs due to its energy efficiency, long lifespan, and excellent durability. Beyond lighting, accessories such as benches, scoreboards, and ball machines can significantly enhance the playing experience, offering a more professional and comfortable setup for both casual players and competitive matches.
It’s essential that all lighting and accessories are installed by qualified professionals to guarantee that the padel court meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and durability.
Building a Padel Court: Step-by-Step Guide
Building a padel court requires meticulous planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process. For more detail on each step involved in the padel court construction process, see below:
Planning Permission: Initial concept designs and planning specs are submitted for approval.
Environmental Considerations: Health and safety plans are finalised.
Prepare the Ground: Clear the area of any vegetation and level the ground to ensure stability. Get the drainage system installed.
Build the Foundation: Construct a strong foundation using a concrete slab, typically 15-20cm thick, to ensure the court’s longevity.
Install the Fencing: Enclose the court with glass walls and metal mesh fencing. The walls should be 3m high, with the fencing extending to 4m to prevent the ball from leaving the court.
Install the Artificial Turf: Choose high-quality artificial turf specifically designed for padel to create the playing surface.
Install the Lighting: Set up lighting at a height of at least 6m to facilitate play during low-light conditions.
Mark the Court Lines: Clearly mark the court lines with paint or tape. The court dimensions are 10m x 20m, with the net height at 88cm in the center and 92cm at the posts.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your padel court is built to professional standards, providing a top-notch playing experience.
Do You Need Planning Permission to Build a Padel Court?
For public courts, the construction will require consent to be issued by the relevant local authorities. The site developer or padel court construction company is commonly responsible for getting the planning consent from the local council.
For private padel courts, this can depend on the area you live. We recommend checking with your local authorities before starting construction to install or chatting with your trusted padel court construction company as they should be aware of any restrictions in your area.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Padel Court?
As with most construction projects, the design and planning phase tends to take the longest but planning permissions can also take some time to be approved depending on the scope of the project.
Once planning has been approved, the typical length of on-site construction is between 6 to 8 weeks to fully install and construct padel courts.
Choosing a Contractor
Selecting the right contractor for your padel court construction project is crucial to ensure quality and efficiency. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Look for Experience: Choose a contractor with a proven track record in building sports facilities, particularly padel courts.
Check Credentials: Verify that the contractor has the necessary certifications and licenses to operate in your area.
Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain quotes from several contractors to compare prices and services.
Check References: Ask for references from previous clients to gauge the contractor’s work quality and reliability.
Check Insurance: Ensure the contractor has adequate insurance coverage to protect you and your property in case of accidents or damages.
Review Attention to Detail: Select a contractor who demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in their previous padel court projects, as this can impact the overall quality and longevity of your court.
By following these guidelines, you can find a reputable contractor who will deliver a high-quality padel court that meets your expectations.
Here at PadelTennisGuide.com, we have a short-list of padel court building suppliers we are happy to recommend. Just drop your details into our Contact Us form and we will put you in touch straight away.
What Funding is Available to Build a Padel Court?
As we’ve mentioned, the LTA and its members are spearheading the development of tennis and padel facilities across the UK, now offering a Quick Access Loan Scheme to eligible organisations. The LTA provides interest-free loans from £25,000 to £250,000 to fund padel tennis facilities.
Private finance like operating leases or hire purchase agreements may also be available depending on the operational intent and location of your padel court. Clubs can implement a pay-to-play system, allowing users to pay for each session, which helps recoup the initial investment and generate ongoing revenue.
Many corporations are also investing in and sponsoring unique pop-up courts at shopping centres and other public facilities.
What Are the Maintenance Costs Associated With a Padel Court?
Ongoing maintenance costs are a crucial consideration when planning the cost of building a padel court UK. Annual maintenance costs for a padel court range from £400 to £1,000, with major maintenance possibly requiring turf replacement every 5 to 10 years.
Maintenance Procedures
The cost of maintaining a padel court can vary based on usage, local labor rates, and specific maintenance needs. Lighting maintenance and energy costs should also be included in the ongoing maintenance budget. Regular maintenance procedures, such as brushing, leveling, and sand infilling, help retain optimal playing conditions over time and preserve court quality and performance.
Equipment and Accessories
Many environmental elements and physical factors can influence the extent to which certain issues affect your court. Overall, padel courts can be low-maintenance if properly cared for.
Key Factors Influencing Maintenance Costs
Regular cleaning of debris and repair of minor cracks and damage to the ground and fencing
Surface maintenance like brushing, levelling, and sand infilling to ensure optimal playing conditions
Repainting of line markings at necessity intervals
Net and equipment replacement is required to maintain a safe and enjoyable playing experience on your court
General wear and tear to lighting and electrical systems
Benefits of Padel Court Construction
Constructing a padel court can bring numerous benefits to your sports club, leisure centre, or community. Here are some of the key advantages:
Increased Revenue: Padel courts can generate income through court hire, membership fees, and hosting tournaments.
Improved Facilities: Adding a padel court can enhance the overall facilities of your sports club or leisure centre, making it more attractive to members and visitors.
Increased Participation: As one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, with 12 million players worldwide, padel can attract new members and participants to your sports club or leisure centre.
Low Maintenance: Padel courts are relatively low maintenance compared to other sports facilities, making them a cost-effective option.
Community Engagement and Support: Padel courts can foster community engagement and social interaction, with strong community support through training, events, and facilities that aid players of all abilities. Constructing a padel venue can bring a range of benefits for players of all ages, fostering community participation and engagement.
Accessibility: Padel is considered a more accessible sport than tennis, as it is easy to pick up and play for individuals of all ages and abilities. It is also very accessible for people with mobility and/or fitness issues as it’s usually played in doubles and it is also accessible for wheel chair users.
Opportunities to Join: Players of all ages can join local padel clubs, events, or tournaments, making it easy for anyone to get involved in the sport.
Investing in padel court construction can provide long-term benefits, enhancing your facilities and attracting a broader audience to your sports club or leisure centre.
Quick Considerations When Building a Padel Court
Padel can be a noisy sport so try to keep your neighbours and court acoustics in mind. There have been several articles in the press where neighbours to tennis clubs have been raising complaints about the noise of padel compared to tennis. Therefore the position of the padel court to your neighbours is an important consideration.
You can choose to build a singles padel court if you don’t have the space for a full doubles court and to reduce the padel court build cost.
Consider the wind and lighting of your intended location for the best results and return on your investment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When planning and constructing a padel court, there are several common mistakes that clubs and leisure centres should be careful to avoid. One of the most significant errors is insufficient planning and design, which can lead to a court that fails to meet the needs of players or does not comply with official standards.
Using low-quality materials, especially for artificial turf and fencing, can compromise the court’s durability and increase long-term maintenance costs. It’s also vital to ensure the court is built to the correct dimensions and includes all necessary features, such as proper fencing and access pathways.
Overlooking factors like ongoing maintenance, expected usage, and available funding can result in unexpected expenses or operational challenges. By carefully considering these factors and investing in quality materials and professional construction, clubs and leisure centres can create padel facilities that offer a fun, safe, and long-lasting playing experience for all members.
Cost of Building a Padel Court UK - Next steps to building your own court
A padel court is a great long-term investment for racket sports enthusiasts or investors looking to jump at the opportunity to capitalise on one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Padel is a combination of tennis and squash, blending elements from both sports, which adds to its appeal for those passionate about racket sports. Andy Murray himself has already invested with Game4Padel to build 3 new courts in Westfield London.
If you’re looking to invest, having a chat with a padel court building company to supply a quote based on your specific requirements is a good start. Here at PadelTennisGuide.com, we have a short-list of padel court building suppliers we are happy to recommend. Just drop your details into our Contact Us form and we will put you in touch straight away.
Remember, while the upfront cost of building a padel court UK may be significant, the potential for long-term returns and the growing popularity of the sport make it a compelling investment for many.
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