Nottingham factory padel plan is set for approval
Proposals to convert a former sheet-metal works into padel courts and a pilates studio have been recommended for approval, ahead of a city council planning meeting next week.
The plan, put forward by Meadow Lane Services in October last year, would see the 45,000 sq ft former Canal Engineering works in Lenton Lane converted into eight padel courts, as well as a cafe, pilates studio and changing facilities.
The enterprise would be operated by padel tennis operator Hudel, if plans are approved next week.
Canal Sheet Metalworks first occupied the site in 1971, but the building closed down as a metalworks in 2023, and falling demand for industrial uses in the city has led to plans to convert the site for sports and recreation use, the applicant says.
The property has been marketed for employment use with two agents without success, with one agent concluding that “alternative uses must be considered in order to bring the property back in to use”.
Franklin Ellis Architects provided designs for the project, while Inovo provided planning consultancy.
“The demand for [padel] facilities is evident and the Lawn Tennis Association has identified an urgent need to expand padel tennis provision,” said a statement supplied with the application.
“Nottingham is currently significantly undersupplied in this regard and the site is a suitable and available opportunity to meet these requirements.”
Nottingham is unlikely to remain undersupplied with padel courts for long – The scheme is the latest in a trio of large padel facilities set to be built in the city, coming on the heels of Padelplex’ £1m proposals for Redfield Way, and ALB group’s “passion project” padel centre at Electric Avenue.
The scheme will be decided by planners at the city council’s planning committee on Wednesday, 18 March.
Documents and plans relating to the application can be found on Nottingham City Council’s planning portal using reference: 25/01946/PFUL3
