21 Jul 2025
At CPMG, we’re not just designing spaces – we’re shaping experiences. That’s why we’ve been excited to support the rapid rollout of padel facilities across the UK, a sport that’s fast becoming one of the most popular and inclusive globally. But what makes padel so popular?
Think of padel as a blend of tennis and squash but with a simpler, more social twist. Played in doubles on enclosed courts, it’s easy to pick up and enjoy, no matter your age or experience. Whether you're trying a racket sport for the first time or looking for a new challenge, padel combines movement, teamwork and fun, making it a brilliant way to stay active and connect with others.
As designers, understanding how a space performs in real life is essential. That’s why our team recently visited a padel facility for ourselves, to experience the sport firsthand and understand the energy, movement and atmosphere it inspires. From the bounce of the ball off the walls to the laughter between points, it was clear: padel is more than just a sport – it’s a social hub.
At CPMG, we’re proud to be part of its growing story. So far, we’ve delivered new padel facilities for Notts County Football Club and Mansfield Town, and the momentum is building. With planning approved for a new facility in Wigan and applications in progress for Larwood Park (Ashfield) and Trident Park in Cardiff – a 10-court scheme with associated facilities including a café – the pipeline is looking strong. We’re also receiving a growing number of speculative enquiries across the Midlands, showing just how popular the sport is becoming.
The stats speak for themselves. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has reported a significant rise in padel participation, with over 760 courts across Great Britain and an ambitious goal to reach 1,000 by 2026. As other countries have shown, increasing accessibility is key to helping the sport thrive and that’s something we’re keen to support through thoughtful, inclusive design.
Whether you're a player, a fan or simply someone interested in active, engaging places – padel is worth watching. And at CPMG, we’re thrilled to be helping serve up the future of this exciting sport.