Plans submitted for new padel courts at Wildmoor Health Club in Stratford-upon-Avon

The proposed courts will replace existing tennis courts at the site and feature synthetic playing surfaces, strengthened glass surrounds, floodlighting and canopies to enable year-round play.

Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the Bannatyne Group, said: “Wildmoor is one of our flagship clubs and we are excited to bring padel to Stratford-upon-Avon. These new competition-level courts will allow our members and the local community to enjoy a sport that is fun, sociable and growing in popularity every day.”

The planning application has been submitted to Stratford-on-Avon District Council in response to increasing demand for the sport, which has become a global phenomenon with more than 25 million active players worldwide.

Forecast to become an Olympic discipline by 2032, padel originated in South America and is now played by sports stars including Andy Murray, Virgil van Dijk, Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Annabel Croft, David and Cruz Beckham, Bradley Walsh, Elle MacPherson and Nicole Scherzinger.

The Wildmoor health club is already known for its premium facilities, including a large gym, swimming pool, spa and hydrotherapy zones, and a busy timetable of exercise classes.

The addition of padel is expected to further enhance its reputation as one of the region’s leading health and wellbeing destinations.