‘Cool’ new sport is taking off in Torbay

New courts likely to get the go-ahead

A sport described as the ‘cool younger sister of tennis’ is taking off in Torbay.

Footballers Lionel Messi and David Beckham are said to be avid players, and tennis ace Andy Murray has endorsed the game of padel, played on an enclosed court with solid, stringless bats.

More than 25 million people play the game in more than 90 countries, and in Spain it has become the second-largest participation sport, behind football.

Now it is likely to come to the run-down concrete courts at the front of the Riviera Centre, just behind Abbey Sands.

Torquay Tennis Club already has padel facilities at its base nearby off Belgrave Road, and members of Torbay Council’s planning committee will be recommended to give the go-ahead for the Riviera Centre courts when they meet next week.

A planning application filed with Torbay Council by Essex-based Go-Padel is for four courts and parking for 15 cars. The courts would be built on the existing tennis courts which have fallen into disrepair.

The new facility would be open seven days a week, all year round.

Six objections and five letters in support have been received. Torbay Heritage Trust says there are no substantial public benefits from the proposal and that there will be a harmful impact on the local conservation area.

However supporters say the growing sport is fun and healthy, and the nearest alternative facilities are in Plymouth, and often fully booked.

Torbay Council says it fits in with its ‘Healthy Torbay’ strategy.