Play Padel
Play Padel Property Requirements
A premium indoor padel operator seeking prominent, accessible sites across the UK, with an active focus on the Midlands and North.
National acquisition programme
Size18,000–40,000 sq ft
Use classClass E(d) / Leisure
FundingInstitutional debt facilities in place
Property contacts
Alex Fleming
The opportunity
Play Padel is building a premium, community-led national network of indoor padel clubs. Its first Sheffield venue opened in March 2025 and has traded at 95–100% occupancy.
The operator is seeking prominent roadside, trade park, retail warehouse and suitable industrial sites. Requirements include good access, strong visibility, parking and at least 7 metres clear internal height.
Inside Play Padel
Latest store activity
Existing venues and pipeline
March 2025
Play Padel Sheffield opened
The four-court Abbeydale Road South club opened as Play Padel’s first operational venue.
Opened
October 2026
Meadowhall flagship
Launching South Yorkshire’s flagship indoor padel destination.
8 courts, lounge, café bar, retail area, extensive community programme..
coming soon
Target locations
Play Padel’s search is concentrated across the Midlands and North, with a defined list of priority towns. Strong opportunities in affluent catchments elsewhere will also be considered.
28 priority search areas
Markers show target search areas, not existing Play Padel venues.
Property brief
Warehouse18,000–40,000 sq ft
Development landUp to approximately 1.5 acres
ConfigurationFive to eight courts plus reception, food and beverage, changing and social space
Clear heightMinimum 7m internal eaves
PlanningClass E(d); sites requiring varied consent considered
TenureLeasehold and freehold acquisitions
Alternative formatsLightweight canopy structures on rooftops, decks and surface car parks
FundingFunded in-house, with institutional debt facilities in place
Target towns - list not exhaustive
BarnsleyBedfordBoltonBradfordChesterDerbyDoncasterEdinburghGatesheadHarrogateHuddersfieldHullLeedsLeicesterLincolnLiverpoolMilton KeynesNewcastle upon TyneNorth NottinghamshireNottinghamSouth-East SheffieldSolihullStoke-on-TrentSutton ColdfieldTeessideWakefieldWarringtonYork
Q&A with Alex Fleming, CEO at Play Padel Group
The operator’s property strategy, preferred sites and national growth plans.
Who are Play Padel?
Play Padel is a UK indoor padel operator building a premium, community-led network of multi-court clubs, backed by leading sports figures and institutional investors. Each venue combines courts with food and beverage, coaching and a welcoming social atmosphere.
How many locations do you currently have?
Play Padel Sheffield opened in March 2025 and has traded at 95–100% occupancy. The eight-court Meadowhall flagship is in fit-out ahead of its planned October 2026 opening.
What locations and properties are you targeting?
Prominent roadside and edge-of-town sites with strong visibility and road links. Preferred formats include trade parks, retail warehouses and suitable industrial space. The active focus is the Midlands and North, with strong affluent catchments considered nationally.
How many new locations are you targeting?
The business is working towards a 15-site UK portfolio and has an active acquisition pipeline.
What are your size requirements?
Approximately 18,000–40,000 sq ft for five to eight courts and supporting facilities, with at least 7m clear internal height. Development sites up to approximately 1.5 acres are also considered.
What additional property features do you need?
Good parking, easy access, strong visibility, complementary nearby operators, and connections to main roads and public transport.
What planning consent is required?
Class E(d) indoor sport and leisure. Sites requiring new or varied consent will be considered.
Freehold or leasehold?
Leasehold is preferred. Freehold opportunities will also be considered.
What are the main acquisition challenges?
Winning landlord support, securing Class E(d) consent, and combining clear height, parking and access at a viable rent.
Favourite occupier and why?
Yard Ball, whose Sheffield concept transformed underused space into an inclusive sport, food, drink and events destination.
Favourite building and leisure destination?
Sheffield Winter Garden and Bramall Lane.
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