A MAJOR padel firm has revealed plans to open new courts in three locations across Scotland with hopes of creating 60 jobs.
The boss behind one of the UK’s leading padel operators, Court De Padel, has revealed the firm has agreed terms to open new courts in Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh.
The firm offers indoor padel and pickleball courts across England and is looking to expand its footprint in Scotland, with full planning applications expected to be submitted to the local authorities over the next six weeks.
Padel is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and is played in more than 150 countries by over 35 million people, as it blends parts of tennis and squash and is usually played in pairs as doubles.
Using the tennis scoring system, the sport is played on a court about a third the size of a tennis court, surrounded by glass walls and fencing.
Joan Ferras, Court De Padel operations director, said that each site will see an investment of around £800,000 with the hope of creating around 20 jobs, according to The Courier.
She said: “We have agreed terms on sites in Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh, subject to planning, and after successful pre-applications, expect to submit full planning applications over the next six weeks.
“We have had a phenomenal response to our first sites that opened in England at Norwich and Hull, and believe the premium super panoramic courts, along with the quality of coaching, leagues and tournaments we offer, as well as our cafe/bar serving refreshments and changing rooms, make our clubs a place for everyone of all ages and standards.”
Ferras added that they hope to announce opening dates for the clubs later this year.
There are no details for where the Dundee or Edinburgh club will be located, but the Perth courts are reportedly set to be based at Perth Airport in Scone.
Each facility will have indoor courts for players of all abilities, and will include changing rooms and a cafe.
Each club will also offer coaching along with leagues, competitions, and social events.
It comes after a state-of-the-art indoor padel facility at Glasgow Club Scotstoun was officially opened in April by Judy Murray.
At the time, Murray said: “There’s been a massive spike in interest in padel across Scotland in recent years, so it’s fantastic to see courts opening at Glasgow Club Scotstoun.
“Padel is massively popular in Europe and is best described as a mash-up between tennis and squash. It’s mostly played as doubles and it’s fun, doable, sociable and inclusive.
“It’s easy to get started in padel and I think it’s a great way into – or out of – other racquet sports.”
She added: “That’s certainly the case for me, as the tennis court is way too big nowadays.”
