Major plans unveiled to transform vacant warehouse in Northampton into huge indoor padel tennis centre

Proposals have been submitted to West Northamptonshire Council to turn a long-empty industrial unit in Kings Heath into a major indoor sports hub.

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.

If approved, the unit, which covers 2.4 acres of land, would become home to Padel Power Northants Ltd, who want to install 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 plans, the centre would open from 5am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 8pm on Sundays. Around three full-time and five part-time staff would be employed at launch, rising to the equivalent of 12 full-time roles as membership grows, according to plans.

Padel Power says the new facility would 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 would be offered during quieter hours.

A spokesperson for Padel Power Northants said: “The proposals show how the padel centre would 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, has 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. Pump Gyms 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.

A decision on the application is expected by February 2.

Separate plans were also submitted earlier this month for another indoor padel tennis facility at a former warehouse at Riverside Prime Business Park, just behind Riverside Retail Park.