Rawtenstall announces plans for new padel courts in park

The new court will be the latest addition to the East Lancashire padel scene and is aimed at giving residents a chance to practice the sport, as Rossendale Borough Council assesses demand and gathers feedback from players.

Touted as the fastest growing sport in the UK, padel is a racket sport which descends from Mexico and is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court, significantly smaller than a doubles tennis court.

It will arrive in Whitaker Park in May and is being run by PadelParcs, which will take over the MUGA for the whole month - installing two doubles court and one single court.

A Rossendale Council spokesperson said: “We are exploring the development of padel tennis facilities as part of a 'test and learn' initiative set out in the Rossendale Physical Activity and Sport Strategy 2025–2030.

“In partnership with Padel Parcs, temporary courts will be installed on the current MUGA in Whitaker Park - provisionally in May - giving the local community a chance to try the fast-growing sport through coached sessions and open play.

“The trial will help assess demand and gather feedback from players and residents.

“This insight will guide future decisions on whether to invest in permanent padel facilities in Rossendale, supporting the council’s aim to widen access to sport and physical activity across the borough.

“We'd like to encourage residents to get involved, try the sport, and let us know what they think.”

PadelParcs are hoping that the test and learn will be there "indefinitely", with a view to continually assess its success, which they believe will last a minimum of six months. 

Whilst Padel shares similarities with tennis, it differs in the rules, strokes and techniques due to the balls being smaller, and softer.

However, the main difference is that the court has walls, and the ball can be played off them in a similar way to squash.

READ MORE: New padel centre with nine courts set to open in central Blackburn

READ MORE: Landmark Ribble Valley hotel's plans for new padel courts

The council’s test and learn approach aims to explore the option for the development of padel courts in the borough and will involve a combination of community engagement, coached sessions and opportunities for players to get hands-on experience.

Feedback from players and the broader community will then guide a decision on whether an investment will be permanent in the town.

In East Lancashire, one court is already in operation at Blackburn Northern Sports Club in Pleckgate Road, and five indoor courts are open at Ribble Valley Tennis Centre in Edisford Road, Clitheroe.

A padel centre featuring five courts is set to open at Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in Brierfield, while plans for courts have been approved at Holcombe Brook Sports Club in Ramsbottom, and plans for four courts at Mytton Fold Hotel near Langho and a Slazenger Padel Club in Shadsworth Industrial Estate are being considered.