Padel could come to Rotherham under new plans

11 hours ago

The dedicated padel tennis centre could open in Rotherham under new plans submitted to the council.
The application to transform a vacant industrial unit in Hellaby would see several indoor padel courts built alongside a small cafe and bar.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has supported the proposal, describing the development as a "fantastic attribute for the Rotherham area".
The LTA said there were currently no padel courts in Rotherham and praised the facility's potential to boost participation in what it calls the "fastest-growing sport in the world".
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller enclosed court, and is designed to be more accessible and sociable than traditional tennis.
The site, Unit 1, Sandbeck Way, is currently a vacant truck park and distribution warehouse which dates back to the 1970s, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
According to the applicant the building is no longer viable as a warehouse due to modern demands and structural limitations and has stood vacant since 2023.
The applicant said the centre would create up to 12 jobs, including roles for padel coaches, cleaning and maintenance staff, and a full-time site manager.
Parking provision would be expanded from the existing 14 spaces to a minimum of 37, with an additional 14 overspill spaces available at the nearby Trinity House unit. Eight parking bays would be equipped with electric vehicle charging points.
It would operate from 7am to 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 9pm at weekends.
The application is currently under consideration by Rotherham Council's planning department.
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