Introducing Padel Social Club, coming soon to Southside
So, what is Padel?
Padel is essentially a hybrid of tennis and squash, played on a smaller version of a tennis court with rebound boards on every side to allow the ball to bounce off and still be in play. Padel tennis originated in Mexico in 1969 and has really grown in popularity over the past 10 years across South America, the US, and now the UK where it is just getting started.
- You don’t need to be a pro to play!
- A more accessible version of tennis
- Suitable for beginners and pros
- Played in doubles
- A great sport for friends, family, and the local community
Southside Shopping Centre, owned via a joint venture between Landsec and Invesco - thought leaders in delivering positive change for communities and sustainable places - are working alongside Padel Social Club Limited to convert an existing underutilised car park rooftop into a Padel Club.
Padel Social Club brings padel tennis to inner city areas by developing different formats to work in unique settings such as rooftops, unused areas, and warehouses. Landsec and Invesco have chosen to work with them because they create a range of benefits for the communities in which they operate including the following highlighted below.
A sneak peek...
Have a look at the CGIs of the proposed facility below, this is how it will look on the rooftop of Southside car park 2. Padel Social Club has worked closely with London architecture firm, Zap, and the proposal has been thoughtfully designed to optimise the user experience.
A total of six Padel courts will be provided, with courts 1 – 4 being covered and weatherproof and courts 5 and 6 proposed as external courts. The proposed development incorporates a range of ancillary uses including changing rooms and spectator seating. In addition, the proposal also incorporates a shop, and co-working spaces alongside covered and outdoor bar and dining areas which will enhance the overall experience of the sport.
The maximum capacity the venue can accommodate will be 200 people; however, the expected daily average capacity is likely to be approximately 100 people. This club will be available and accessible to all members of the public with no social entry requirement and fair membership prices. Pricing will be competitive with other 'open to all courts' with favourable rates given to local community groups and students.
Noise impact
We recognise that some of our neighbours might be concerned about noise and disturbance. That’s why we are proposing to only operate until 10pm, well before other leisure operators in the town centre close. The courts have been designed to minimise noise emissions and social areas have been positioned away from people's homes. By taking these measures we hope to be good neighbours and a considerate part of the community.
Sustainability
The site will be served by public transport, with a series of bus stops located in close proximity along Buckhold Road, Wandsworth High Street and Garratt Lane. Wandsworth Town railway station is located to the northeast of the site, approximately an 11-minute's walk away. Clapham Junction underground station which serves the Overground, South Western Railway and Southern rail is located to the east of the site, approximately a 30-minute walk away. The site benefits from a high mixed PTAL rating of 4/5.
Further details of the application can be found on Wandsworth Borough Website, planning application number: 2022/5219
