Key Takeaways
- Liverpool’s floating padel facility has secured its premises licence from Liverpool Council, clearing the final obstacle ahead of launch.
- Phase 1 opens later this month with 2 floating courts, retail and food offerings, followed by a 3rd court and clubhouse expansion later this year.
- James Whittaker stated, “This new facility will be an iconic, must-visit padel destination both for padel enthusiasts and general spectators, encouraging more socialising, friendship forming and opportunities for the area.”
Licensing approval paves way for waterfront padel venue
Liverpool’s booming padel scene is set to take to the water following a crucial licensing approval from the local authority. The project, which introduces the UK’s first floating padel court development to Princes Dock at Liverpool Waters, has cleared its final major administrative obstacle ahead of welcoming players.
Liverpool Council granted planning permission for the innovative sports venue last year, and officials have now secured the necessary premises licence. Operators had submitted detailed operational plans covering social spaces and operating hours, marking the next phase in dockside activations following the opening of the Wyld Sauna concept in November 2024.
Phased launch bringing 3 floating courts to Princes Dock
The facility is designed around 3 floating courts, which are built upon a specialised floating platform manufactured in Finland, while the courts themselves originate from Spain. Beyond the playing surface, the site features a floating clubhouse complete with a bar, kitchen, decked seating area and a dedicated specialist retail shop.
Under the approved operational terms sought by Peel, the venue will operate from 7am to 10pm between Sunday and Thursday, with alcohol sales beginning at midday. On Friday and Saturday, opening hours will extend from 7am until midnight, with bar service closing at midnight.
A phased rollout will see the first stage open later this month, delivering 2 floating courts alongside food and beverage amenities and retail facilities. Padel enthusiasts will have access to pay-and-play bookings, corporate memberships and private court hire. The 3rd floating court and an extension to the clubhouse will follow later this year.
Peel Waters outlines vision for dockland community activation
Reflecting on the milestone when the development was initially announced, James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters, underlined the operator’s ambitions for Princes Dock.
“We are really pleased to be bringing the UK’s first floating padel courts to Liverpool Waters,” Whittaker said.
“This floating concept demonstrates the open approach we have at Peel Waters to welcoming innovative, new ideas and collaborating with forward-thinking businesses to use our portfolio as a testbed for unique, UK-first activations on water and the surrounding land. Padel is a fantastic, accessible activity and the social side of the sport is of utmost importance to us.”
Whittaker highlighted the role the sport will play in bringing together the growing local community around Liverpool Waters.
“We have thousands of residents, workers and visitors already on site at Liverpool Waters and we are constantly looking at new ways to connect-up the community and new activities for them to experience. This new facility will be an iconic, must-visit padel destination both for padel enthusiasts and general spectators, encouraging more socialising, friendship forming and opportunities for the area,” he explained.
