Jurgen Klopp-backed padel centre set to come to Liverpool

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The centre in Liverpool is set to be the company's first in the UKA company founded by Jurgen Klopp has advanced in its plans to open a new sports centre in Liverpool. Padel FC was set-up in Berlin by the legendary former Liverpool manager and his son Marc.Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles and is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Following on from the success of Padel FC in Berlin, the company is aiming to open a new “state-of-the-art” padel facility at Wavertree Sports Park.In collaboration with Mike Smith from Open Media, retired professional footballer Bradley Orr and local businessman Carl Spellman, the Liverpool centre will be the company's first UK development.A full planning application has now been submitted by Pegasus Group on behalf of Padel FC after a successful tendering process to acquire the site from Liverpool City Council.The scheme will see the replacement of underused tennis courts with a modern facility featuring nine padel courts – six indoors and three sheltered open-to-outdoor – alongside a café, retail space, changing rooms, and social areas.Designed by Octo Architects, the project will also incorporate solar panels, air source heating and EV charging points, in alignment with Liverpool’s net zero ambitions.Two consultation stages – online and in-person – attracted strong levels of interest, with 98% of respondents supporting the plans.The scheme has benefited from positive pre-application engagement with the council, ensuring the design evolved to meet local policy objectives and community needs.Pegasus say there will be wider benefits in terms of job creation, training opportunities, wellbeing impacts and community health outcomes.Speaking about the project, Darren Muir, director at Pegasus Group, said: “We have really enjoyed working with Padel FC to bring one of Europe’s fastest-growing sports to Liverpool.“From advising on the tender process, to leading the pre-application engagement and preparation of the planning submission, it has been rewarding to help shape a scheme that makes efficient use of underutilised land while delivering genuine social, economic and environmental benefits for the city.”If approved, the Padel FC Liverpool facility will open seven days a week and provide a year-round, all-weather sporting destination for players of all ages and abilities.It is the latest in a series of padel courts popping up across the city. In February, Peel unveiled plans for the UK’s first ever floating padel courts and club house to Liverpool Waters.Three padel courts also opened at Liverpool Cricket Club in November 2023.