Lakeside to serve up 50,000 sq ft padel club

Lakeside shopping centre in Essex has signed Club de Padel for its third club in the UK and its first in the South of England.

The padel operator’s new venue will span approximately 50,000 sq ft and comprise 12 courts, with four situated outdoors and eight located inside. The space will also feature a clubhouse with a licensed bar, that will also offer coffee, as well as equipment from the brand’s retail range.

The space will host a varied lineup of additional events, including run clubs, to encourage repeat visits. Club de Padel will also deliver a coaching programme developed by LTA-qualified coaches, which will offer players a six-stage pathway approach.

Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, said: “This multi-million-pound investment from Club de Padel not only forms part of a wider £10 million masterplan at Lakeside, but also demonstrates that leading brands continue to recognise the destination as a key, super-regional hub. Club de Padel will completely transform the space overlooking the lake, and will continue to drive our 17.1 million annual visitors to dwell longer and make memories. It reminds us that Lakeside is more than a place to shop; it’s a lifestyle destination designed to serve the needs of its loyal visitors.”

James Wigglesworth, co-founder of Club de Padel added: “As the padel market grows and evolves, it’s important we plant our roots in places with not just the promise of longevity and an engaged visitor demographic, but an understanding of how important active socialising is to the community. Lakeside’s position as a leading lifestyle destination means that it offers so much more than the average destination. Locations such as Lakeside are key in our success as we expand and grow, allowing us to build a strong community and a lasting presence. Lakeside’s unrivalled connectivity into London and the wider South East helps us to continue to deepen our commitment to accessibility – ensuring our clubs are equally accessible by rail, road, foot and bicycle.”

This news follows a recent flurry of F&B activity at Lakeside this year, with the openings of GAIL’S, Black Sheep Coffee, Maki & Ramen, Smoke & Pepper, and a second location for Pret.

Smith Young and LM are Lakeside’s retail leasing agents, while Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail.