This article was originally written by Jack Fifield for SWNS — the U.K.’s largest independent news agency, providing globally relevant original, verified, and engaging content to the world’s leading media outlets.
If you love the vigor of tennis and the sociability of pickleball, you may enjoy padel: a fast-paced game that uses the former’s scoring system but different rackets and balls. It was invented in Mexico in the ’60s and has seen a surge in popularity worldwide in recent years — and this fall, the U.K.’s first floating padel courts are set to open as part of a $1.3 million investment in the sport.
Described as the world’s fastest-growing sport, padel is played on courts surrounded by glass walls and a metal cage that the ball can bounce off of. Players use solid racquets rather than stringed, and all serves must be underarm.
There are now over 700 padel courts in the U.K. — but developers say these three, which will open in Liverpool, will be the first in the country to float on water. Usually anchored on serene water, floating courts are already present in cities like Miami and Dubai. The Liverpool development will be located in the city’s 19th-century Prince’s Dock, and will feature the world’s first floating clubhouse.
A news release from Peel Waters, the team behind the Liverpool Waters regeneration scheme, a 30-year plan to revive the city’s northern docks, described the courts as “a major sporting and leisure milestone for the country.” Managing Director James Whittaker added: “Liverpool Waters is leading the way in bringing innovative, world-class experiences to the U.K. This new floating padel facility will become a flagship destination for the sport and for waterside leisure in Britain.”
He continued, “As a padel enthusiast, I know firsthand how fun, accessible, and social this sport is. This new floating padel facility will be a must-visit destination for players around the world while also providing a new amenity for residents and workers in Liverpool City Centre [that] they have never had before. Whether they’re playing, spectating, or socializing in the club, we look forward to our community discovering how much fun this sport is for all.”
Inspired by Nordic designs, the floating clubhouse will feature a bar, kitchen, and decked seating area overlooking the water. Permission for the facilities will expire after five years — and if it isn’t extended, the dock will then be reverted to its original condition.
“With padel rapidly gaining popularity across the U.K., this is set to become a standout destination for sport, socializing, and style in the heart of Liverpool,” said Gareth Evans, managing director of court installation company Padel Ventures. “We’re planning exciting partnerships, activations, and experiences. This development will bring together stylish gear, vibrant social spaces, and top-tier padel courts all in one location. This club will be more than just a place to play. [It’ll] become Liverpool’s newest social and sporting hot spot right on the dockside.”
Construction on the project is expected to begin shortly, with an estimated completion in mid-fall of 2025.
RELATED: “The Book Boat:” How Locals Saved a 60-Year-Old Floating Library in Norway
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