New South London padel venue planned with 4 courts at borough's first dedicated space for the sport
Plans have been submitted for new padel courts in Sutton which would become the first dedicated space for the emerging sport in the borough. The four-court facility will transform a vacant space and be part of the wider development of the London Cancer Hub, a world-class treatment and research hub based in Belmont.
The facility will open this summer and provide a new recreational space for residents, workers at the cancer hub, and visitors. The new project also promises to create dozens of local jobs.
The Social Sports Society, known for projects like Wembley Park Padel, has resubmitted a planning application to Sutton Council seeking approval for a change of use on the land. The facility will feature four demountable courts, designed with eco-friendly materials like repurposed wood and greenery to blend with the natural surroundings.
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Community feedback from recent public engagement events has shaped the new facility's plans. Aviva and Socius, leading the hub's development, are now encouraging residents to support the proposal. Revised plans, reflecting earlier community input, include 'sympathetic lighting' and a canopy over the courts to reduce light and noise pollution.
The Social Sports Society also provides free play sessions, coaching for at-risk youth, and partnerships with schools to offer free padel access. Padel, often called "padel tennis," is a racket sport played on a smaller enclosed court, typically in doubles. The court features walls that players can use to bounce the ball off, making it a dynamic and fast-paced game.
The sport is rapidly growing in popularity in the UK, with new facilities and players emerging nationwide. Tom Rooney, CEO of Social Sports Society, said: "Sport has the power to bring people together, and padel is a great example of how an accessible game can turn underused spaces into thriving community hubs."
He continued: "By encouraging physical activity, we can help counter social isolation, build connections, and improve health and wellbeing in local neighbourhoods."
The courts are planned as a temporary feature for up to seven years while the development of the London Cancer Hub continues. They will be designed to be relocated or repurposed as needed.
Located next to the famous Royal Marsden Hospital site in Belmont, Sutton, the London Cancer Hub has been almost 20 years in the making. Under plans from Sutton Council, the five-hectare site will become an integrated village-like place where patients, medics, researchers and members of the public can mingle.
Daniel May, development director at Socius, added: "Many people told us they wanted more opportunities to exercise at the London Cancer Hub. The padel courts will be a real asset, and we encourage the community to support this new facility where they can get active and socialise."
Comments can be made on the planning application by visiting https://planningregister.sutton.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.
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