Q&A with Gareth Dexter, Acquisitions Surveyor at The Padel Club
We spoke with Gareth Dexter at The Padel Club
Name: Gareth Dexter
Role: Acquisitions Surveyor at The Padel Club
Who are The Padel Club?
The Padel Club aim to be the market leader Padel operator in the UK.
How many locations do The Padel Club currently have?
Wilmslow with 4 courts, Gloucester (9 courts), Trafford City (11 courts), Cheltenham (4 courts)
Target locations?
We will consider all affluent catchments and our current target locations in the South include -
Bournemouth & Poole, Southampton, Guildford, Exeter, Plymouth, Norwich, Canterbury (view our requirement flyer for the full list)
How many new locations are you targeting?
We are aiming to open 10 new clubs per year nationally.
Size requirements?
1. Warehouse space 20 - 45,000 sq.ft with min 6.5m eaves height
2. Sites of up to 1.5 acres for canopied schemes
Additional requirements?
1. Retail Warehouse space
2. Part of existing sports, leisure / golf complexes.
3. Office Parks / Industrial estates.
4. Large Redundant Pub sites / tired retail locations
Planning consent?
We require Class E(d)
Freehold or Leasehold?
Leasehold preferred, Freehold considered.
Recent openings or new locations in the pipeline?
We have 10 new locations in the pipeline.
Additional Questions:
What are the main challenges you face when acquiring new property?
1. Convincing Landlords to consider a Padel operator instead of a more traditional type of
warehouse user.
2. Most Padel developments need a new planning consent, even if it’s simply the
conversion of tennis courts. The planning process can be long, expensive and frustrating
as we are looking to create a sporting environment that is open to the public. They are
frequently in underutilised locations that are in need of regeneration, which often involve
under resourced Local Authorities.
Favourite occupier?
The Ivy (I’m biased!)
What is your favourite building?
St Paul’s Cathedral
Favourite retail or leisure destination?
Lords cricket ground
Contact details?
gareth.dexter@thepadelclub.co.uk
07876 484370
