Planning applications for padel courts across the UK jumped by more than 113% in 2024, driven by the sport’s increasing popularity and expanding appeal. According to data from Searchland, this momentum is expected to continue through 2025. Nearly 17,000 sites nationwide have been identified as viable for padel development, sparking interest among investors, landowners, and public bodies.
Padel’s unique footprint and appeal boost its expansion
Padel combines the dynamism of tennis with the close-quarters excitement of squash. Its compact court design—two padel courts can fit into the space of one tennis court—makes it attractive for urban planning and high-density recreational areas. This space efficiency enables low-cost construction and allows developers to offer active, social experiences without major infrastructure hurdles.
Participation rates skyrocket, bolstering investment potential
The Lawn Tennis Association reported over 400,000 padel players in Britain by the end of 2024, up from just 89,000 in 2021. This dramatic growth underlines padel’s widespread appeal and fuels confidence in its staying power. Its simplicity, inclusive nature, and suitability for all skill levels continue to attract newcomers and build community engagement.
Data reveals multi-year rise in planning activity
Searchland’s data tracks a consistent climb in padel planning applications:
- 53 applications in 2021
- 82 in 2022 (55% increase)
- 163 in 2023 (99% rise)
- 348 in 2024 (113% surge)
- 295 submitted so far in 2025, with projections pointing to 544 by year-end
This acceleration signals growing belief in padel’s economic and social value, particularly among councils and developers seeking high-impact recreational investments.
Thousands of potential sites present significant opportunities
The research highlights nearly 17,000 existing destination venues—such as golf clubs, football facilities, and racquet centers—with land suitable for padel courts. These locations often have unused car parks, greenspaces, or underutilized zones ripe for transformation.
Key cities include:
- London (1,086 opportunities; 47 applications submitted)
- Bristol (206)
- Edinburgh (189)
- Leeds (129)
- Manchester (128)
Commercial properties offer strong conversion prospects
Beyond traditional sports venues, Searchland identifies 15,742 commercial properties across the UK that meet padel court requirements. With high densities in London (929), Manchester (468), and Birmingham (346), these sites represent valuable options for adaptive reuse and increased foot traffic.
Short-term installations align with long-term visions
Temporary padel courts are gaining traction on larger development plots—like housing estates—where extended timelines allow interim recreational use. Searchland counts 674 such opportunities nationwide, including:
- 151 in London
- 16 in Bristol
- 8 in Birmingham
These adaptable solutions bring vibrancy to waiting developments and help foster community engagement early in the build cycle.
Investors urged to act amid rising demand
Searchland co-founder Hugh Gibbs highlights padel’s rapid rise as a wake-up call for stakeholders. “The sport’s affordability, booming participation, and flexibility make it a high-value addition to a wide range of developments,” he said. The abundance of eligible sites across the UK offers a clear pathway for expanding leisure infrastructure in both permanent and temporary formats.
