Plans have been submitted to bring a new, fast-growing sport to Telford with the proposed addition of padel courts at the Telford Tennis Centre. On 2 April 2026, We Do Tennis, a non-profit organisation that manages the site for Telford & Wrekin Council, filed a planning application to expand the facilities at the centre in Oakengates.
The proposal includes the construction of two covered doubles courts and one uncovered singles court. To make room for the new project, two existing outdoor tennis courts would be removed, resulting in a net increase in the total number of courts available for visitors. The development features a unique design, with the two covered courts sheltered by a canopy supported by shipping containers that will reach a height of just over nine metres.
In addition to the playing areas, the project is set to include new retail space, a viewing area, changing rooms, and a cafe. Beyond improving the facilities, the expansion is projected to boost local employment at the site, with the number of full-time staff expected to rise from one to four, alongside an increase in the number of self-employed coaches working at the centre.
Padel is considered one of the fastest-growing sports across Europe. According to the Lawn Tennis Association, the sport saw a surge in participation in Britain throughout 2025, with more than 400,000 people playing at least once during the year. If the planning application is approved, the new courts in Telford are expected to be ready for public use by the summer of 2026.
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