Work has begun on a new five-court padel venue in Southport, scheduled to open in June.

Site clearance and groundworks are under way at the six-figure Birkdale Padel Club development in Victoria Park, which is the first project by Sefton Padel.

Alongside the courts, the scheme will feature a grab-and-go coffee kiosk, vending machines for playing equipment, drinks and snacks, changing facilities, outdoor seating, cycle storage and an office for staff.

Sefton Padel founder and chief executive Paul McComb has agreed a 15-year lease with Sefton Council for the 3,600 sq m site. He is being advised on the project by Usha Sharma and Sophie Wilson of North West law firm Bermans.

Birkdale Padel Club will be open daily from 7am until 10pm and already has a waiting list of 2,500 people ahead of its launch.

The club will offer concessions for blue light workers and under-18s, and will work closely with local schools by providing free introductory sessions as well as offering holiday coaching camps for youngsters.

Property entrepreneur and chartered surveyor Paul says: “We are excited to begin work to deliver a quality asset for the community by making padel accessible and inclusive for all.

“Birkdale Padel Club will greatly enhance the recreational facilities on offer at Victoria Park, and we aim to create lasting social and economic benefits.

“The substantial waiting list shows there is lots of demand, and people are continuing to sign up via our website. We look forward to opening the venue once the initial phase of works is completed, and welcoming padel enthusiasts to take part in this fast-growing sport.”

Usha Sharma, a property partner at Bermans, adds: “This is a fantastic project for Victoria Park and for Southport as a whole.

“Paul’s vision for an accessible, community focused padel venue is already generating huge interest, and we are proud to be supporting Sefton Padel as it brings new investment, activity and opportunity into the area.”

Other professionals involved in the project include Padel Plan, design and construction practice Wickstead Developments, ICIS Design, Ballpark Developments, Platt Construction and Ashcroft Electrical Services.

The padel courts are being constructed in Spain by a specialist contractor before being shipped to the UK.

The site previously housed six tennis courts, three of which will be retained and upgraded as part of the development.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, adds: “Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the UK and we want to make sure we’re serving our sport-loving communities in the best way possible.

“We are pleased to be working with a partner in Sefton Padel who will help maximise public assets, enhance sports facilities in the borough, and work closely with us to ensure that this scheme delivers both financial and wider social value to our communities.”

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