Accrington opens town’s first padel courts for public use

The £650,000 development at the Stanley Sports Hub was funded by Accrington Stanley Community Trust and Hyndburn Borough Council, and the courts are now open for public use.

The project includes two covered, floodlit courts and a new catering unit, The Brew Box, funded by £325,000 from the community trust and £275,000 from the council.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said: "We're incredibly proud to have brought padel to Accrington for the first time.

"It's been a fantastic project, the finished courts look brilliant, and I'd like to thank everyone involved for making it happen.

"It's an exciting addition to the Stanley Sports Hub and another fantastic facility for our local community to enjoy."

The council’s contribution included £200,000 from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, a government programme that supports projects which improve local communities and public spaces, and £75,000 from its own budget.

The Football Foundation also provided £50,000 for the catering unit.

Councillor Munsif Dad, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "This is a fantastic new attraction for Hyndburn and something I’m sure local people will be keen to try.

"Padel is growing rapidly in popularity, so it's wonderful to have such an impressive facility right here on our doorstep, making the sport accessible to our residents."

Padel is a racquet sport known for being social, accessible and suitable for all ages and abilities.

The facility will offer sessions for schools, community groups, over 50s and veterans.

Visitors can hire equipment on site, and free parking is available.

The Brew Box serves hot drinks, snacks and breakfast sandwiches on weekends.

Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, welcomed the project.

She said: "It’s fantastic to see the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Funding supporting projects like this, delivering real investment into our communities and creating new opportunities for local people to get active."

Purves Ali, chair of trustees at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said the courts would have a wider impact.

He said: "This is about more than just sport.

"It's about creating opportunities, bringing people together and investing in the future of our community."

The new courts are now available for booking through the Playtomic app.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for local businesses.