Who are Play Padel?

Play Padel is a UK indoor padel operator building a premium, community-led network of multi-court clubs, backed by global sports stars including Joe Root & Jessica Ennis-Hill and institutional investors.

We opened our first club in Sheffield in March 2025 and are now rolling out a national portfolio. Every venue pairs high-quality courts with strong food & beverage, coaching and a welcoming, social atmosphere – designed to make padel accessible to first-time and nervous players as well as competitive members.

How many locations do Play Padel currently have?

One operational club – Play Padel Sheffield (Abbeydale Road South, 4 courts, opened March 2025) – trading at 95–100% occupancy since launch.

Our flagship second site, Play Padel Meadowhall (8 courts, Sheffield), is in fit-out now ahead of a public opening in Q3 2026.

Target locations?

Prominent, accessible roadside and edge-of-town locations with strong visibility and good road links.

We particularly like:

• Trade parks
• Retail warehouse units
• Large redundant industrial/distribution space suited to leisure conversion

Our current pipeline focus is the Midlands & North England, but we will consider strong, affluent catchments nationally.

How many new locations are you targeting?

We are building towards a 15-site UK portfolio, with an active acquisition pipeline.

Size requirements?

Warehouse / Clear-span Space

• Approximately 18,000–40,000 sq ft
• 5–8 courts
• Reception
• Food & beverage
• Changing facilities
• Social space
• Minimum 7m clear internal (eaves) height

Development Sites

• Up to approximately 1.5 acres
• Suitable for purpose-built or canopied schemes

Additional requirements?

• Good on-site parking
• Easy access
• Strong visibility
• Nearby leisure, retail and food & beverage operators
• Close to main roads and public transport

Planning consent?

We require Class E(d) (Indoor Sport / Leisure).

We are comfortable progressing sites that require new or varied planning consent and manage the planning process through our own advisors. Existing leisure use is an advantage but not essential.

Freehold or Leasehold?

Leasehold preferred.

Freehold considered.

Recent openings or new locations in the pipeline?

Play Padel Sheffield opened in March 2025.

Play Padel Meadowhall (8 courts) is due to open in late October 2026.

Beyond that, we have an active pipeline of sites across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West progressing through legal and planning stages.

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Additional Questions

What are the main challenges you face when acquiring new property?

1. Persuading landlords and agents to back a padel operator over a more conventional warehouse or industrial occupier.
2. Planning. Most sites require a new or varied Class E(d) consent, which can be slow and costly.
3. Finding the right combination of clear height, parking and access at a viable rent.

Favourite occupier and why?

Yard Ball

The nostalgic street-football concept in Sheffield is built around the idea that anyone can pick up the game and enjoy it, regardless of ability. They have transformed an underused space into an inclusive destination combining sport, food, drink, parties and corporate events.

What is your favourite building?

Sheffield Winter Garden.

Favourite retail or leisure destination?

Bramall Lane – home of Sheffield United FC.

Contact details

Ryan Kennedy
Property Manager

Email: property@playpadelgroup.com

Telephone: 07715 001003

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Further info can be found here - https://www.therequirementlist.com/play-padel-property-requirements