Padel centre plans approved for Telford industrial estate

Midlands leisure group Padel + Play will open its fifth club after plans to convert six light industrial units in south Telford were approved.

The firm submitted an application earlier this year for Units 6-13 at Halesfield Point, part of a scheme of 20 buildings which was completed on the Halesfield industrial estate in early 2024.

Under the proposals, up to six courts will be created along with changing facilities for players, and a cafe and shop, in a 19,000 sq ft space.

Documents submitted with the application said the units had been marketed for over a year, but initial interest from would-be occupiers had not translated into formal offers – attributed to a “high level of supply” of small industrial units in the area.

“This reflects wider market conditions rather than any deficiency in the building itself,” said a statement from planning agent, Berrys.

“It is the agents professional opinion that the likelihood of securing an industrial or warehouse occupier for the premises in the short to medium term is currently low.”

Since completion eighteen months ago, five of the estate’s 20 units have been let on short-term leases and two units have been sold on a long leasehold basis – leaving a total of thirteen units vacant on the estate, with no offers currently under consideration besides that from Padel + Play.

The scheme was approved by Telford’s planning officers on 10 June, who said that they were satisfied that the site was suitable, following a sequential test carried out by the applicant.

“Given that there are no alternative preferable sites that are available, suitable and viable for the subject property, the application site is identified as representing the most appropriate and deliverable option,” said a report from council planners.

“The application is supported through a number of representations including from the Lawn Tennis Association, who identify that the proposal would enhance the development of the sport in the local area and provide further access to the local community, with current demand for the sport indicating that there is need for increased provision.”

Shrewsbury-based Berry’s provided planning advice for the application.

Documents and plans relating to the scheme can be found on Telford & Wrekin’s planning portal using reference: TWC/2026/0180