Enfield Council Approves New Padel Courts
The new facility at Southbury Leisure Centre will feature three courts and operate on a pay-and-play basis.
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Enfield Council's planning committee has given unanimous approval for the development of new padel courts, marking the borough's first council-owned facility for the sport. The new courts will be located at the rear of Southbury Leisure Centre on Southbury Road.
Facility Details and Community Support
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The planned development encompasses three padel courts, an overhead canopy, and floodlights. It will also feature a dedicated pedestrian access route, two additional Blue Badge parking spaces, and three new cycle parking stands. These courts are intended to enhance sports and recreation opportunities within an underused area adjacent to the leisure centre and a 3G football pitch.
Edward Smith, cabinet member for council assets and culture at Enfield Council, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the new facility will address a recognised shortfall in padel provision and support physical and mental health by tackling inactivity, obesity, and social isolation. Padel is identified as one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, according to the Times Series.
A council consultation held in March at Southbury Leisure Centre revealed strong community backing for the proposal. Of the 162 respondents, 94 per cent supported the plans for the new courts, with 96 per cent believing padel courts would be a valuable addition to the area's leisure facilities, as reported by the Times Series.
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Operational Details
The courts are set to operate on a pay-and-play basis, ensuring accessibility for both members and non-members without requiring long-term commitments. The facility will be open from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.
Construction is anticipated to commence in the coming months. The development aims to provide residents with a new avenue for staying active and engaged.
Questions this report answers
+Where exactly will the new padel courts be built?
The new padel courts will be built behind Southbury Leisure Centre on Southbury Road. This location was chosen to utilise an underused area adjacent to the leisure centre and a 3G football pitch, enhancing sports facilities in the borough.
+How much will it cost to use the new padel courts?
The courts will operate on a pay-and-play basis, meaning users will pay each time they play rather than committing to long-term memberships. The exact pricing has not been detailed in the article, but the system is designed to ensure accessibility for both members and non-members.
+When will the new padel courts open to the public?
The courts are expected to open once construction is completed, which is anticipated to begin in the coming months. The article does not provide a specific opening date, but the facility aims to provide residents with a new way to stay active.
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