Padel, a Scandinavian padel operator, has secured its debut UK site at Riverside Business Park in Bristol, as the brand embarks on its ambitious plans to secure up to 20 new sites throughout the UK.

Already hugely popular across Europe and the Nordics, padel is now one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Typically played in a doubles format on an enclosed court a third the size of a tennis court, players use a stringless racquet and can play the ball against the wall in a similar way to squash.

In recent years padel has soared in popularity and continues to gain traction across the UK, following ongoing investment into the sport and a significant push from the Lawn Tennis Association. The sport has also proved popular amongst other global athletes, with Manchester City Football Club building courts at its training facilities and Andy Murray investing in padel in recent years.

Due to open in spring 2023, Rocket Padel will launch its debut centre in what was formerly a dilapidated industrial unit that has stood empty for three years. Through the redevelopment of the site, Rocket Padel will aim to bring a new and exciting use to the local community, introducing new players to the sport all while highlighting the social element that padel is so often known for.   

Rocket Padel is represented by Savills, and is working with the international real etstate advisor to secure a further 10 – 20 sites throughout the UK as the sport continues to grow. Sites are being sought from 15,000 up to 60,000 sq ft, to build a minimum of 6 courts, in major cities such as London, Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Carl-Henric Heimdal, director at Rocket Padel UK, comments: “We are thrilled to finally open Rocket Padel Bristol early next year. Working with Savills we have managed to transform an unoccupied 60,000 sq ft warehouse into a padel and training facility that will welcome many happy customers every day.

“The facility, which will be the largest padel venue in the UK, is strategically located for easy access by car, bus and bike/e-bike, and we are now looking for further opportunities like this throughout the UK. Together with Savills we have developed a process on how to take advantage of disused facilities and convert them into sporting facilities and we are certain there are plenty of spaces just waiting to be altered.”

Matt McCue, retail director at Savills, adds: “From what was a relatively unknown sport in the UK just a few years ago, padel has gained significant momentum and is now at a major tipping point in terms of growth. Its huge popularity across Europe shows the major potential that the sport has here in the UK, and the plans from Rocket Padel to open up to 20 new sites is testament to that.

“We’re excited to be working with them on their expansion plans, kick starting with their debut centre in Bristol which is the perfect location to launch Rocket Padel to the UK market.”