Major plans approved to transform vacant warehouse in Northampton into huge indoor padel tennis centre – opening date revealed

Proposals were submitted by Padel Power Northants Ltd to West Northamptonshire Council in November to turn a long-empty industrial unit in Kings Heath into a major indoor sports hub. They were recently approved this month (February).

On their Facebook page yesterday (Wednesday), the Padel Power Northants team said: “It’s happening. Works are officially underway at Padel Power. From first signs outside to progress from above and inside, we’re getting closer to bringing Northampton’s newest Padel Club to life. Northampton’s Home of Padel. More updates coming soon – watch this space.”

The centre is due to open on April 3.

The building at Unit 1, Kingsfield Business Park, off Gladstone Road, has stood empty for about two years after previously being used by a packaging firm.

The unit, which covers 2.4 acres of land, will be home to nine indoor padel courts – seven doubles and two singles – along with a dedicated pickleball court, a table-tennis zone and a warm-up area.

The plans also include a reception area, café-lounge, viewing areas, changing rooms, toilets and accessible facilities. The site already has a car park for between 90 and 100 vehicles.

According to the approved plans, the centre will open from 5am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 8pm on Sundays. Around three full-time and five part-time staff will be employed at launch, rising to the equivalent of 12 full-time roles as membership grows.

Padel Power says the new facility will cater for casual players, coached groups, schools, university students and competitive athletes. The company also says it is developing partnerships with Northampton School for Boys and the University of Northampton, with plans for curriculum sessions, after-school clubs and weekend coaching. Discounted community sessions will be offered during quieter hours.

A spokesperson for Padel Power Northants said: “The proposals show how the padel centre will bring a vacant building back into use, creating new jobs in a location with good transport links. It will contribute to the local economy and support health, mental wellbeing and social cohesion through sport, complementing nearby leisure businesses and strengthening opportunities for schools and community groups across Northampton.”

The Northampton Padel League, which has more than 100 weekly players across four divisions, formally backed the scheme.

A Northampton Padel League spokesman said: “Interest in padel across Northampton continues to rise, and we are already seeing clear demand for more divisions, including women’s, veterans’ and youth leagues. At present, there is no venue in Northampton large enough to meet this growing demand. The proposed Padel Power facility offers the space, infrastructure and accessibility needed both for the existing community and the future expansion of the sport.”

The business park is already home to several leisure operators. NRG runs a 24/7 gym next door in Unit 3, while Soccershack and Pro Martial Arts occupy nearby former industrial buildings. Lazer Zone sits just across Gladstone Road.