Padel Social Club to serve up new courts and club at Southside

Padel Social Club is set to create six covered padel courts at Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth, following approval from councillors.

The 30,000 sq ft, two storey venue will be located on the rooftop of the scheme’s car park, and will feature additional amenities such as changing rooms, a wellness area, and an array of food and beverage kiosks.

Padel Social Club at Southside Shopping Centre will also feature social spaces such as co-working areas overlooking the courts, open seating within the reception, and an outdoor area with views over Wandsworth.

Padel is a fast-paced racket sport that is often described as a mix between tennis and squash. The sport is often played in doubles on an enclosed court, which is roughly one-third of a size of a tennis court.

Rebecca Ruddle, centre director at Southside Shopping Centre, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Padel Social Club to bring the game to Wandsworth. This exciting addition not only revitalises an underutilised space at the centre, but also enhances our bustling leisure offering.  We’re confident that this new facility will bring something new and exciting for our community, and create a vibrant space that fosters connections, whilst introducing a sport that is becoming increasingly popular throughout the UK.”  

Councillor Tony Belton, chair of Wandsworth’s Planning Applications Committee, added: “This is an interesting scheme that’s using an empty rooftop space to create a sports and leisure facility for a popular new health and fitness activity. We welcome applications that not only help deliver better health and well-being opportunities for our residents but also those that come up with imaginative new uses to turn vacant and underused spaces into vibrant community spaces.”

CGI renders of the venue interior (click to expand)