Ipswich embraces padel fever at our new courts

The people of Ipswich have been making a racket in their love for padel following the unveiling of our two new courts.

We were thrilled to launch Padel Ipswich at one of our former warehouses in White House Road in August – and couldn’t have expected them to instantly prove a big hit.

Demand for the courts among the public is incredibly high – with nearly every weekday evening being fully booked, while weekends are at over 75% occupancy.

Our Property & Developments Manager, Will Neall, was among the first members of the One Group team to try out padel last summer and was quick to back plans to build courts of our own.

He said: “Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and when we tried the game for the first time last summer, we instantly fell in love it.

“As there was previously only one outdoor court in Ipswich, we quickly started to struggle to play as much as we wanted to. The court was either fully booked, or the weather was too ‘English’.

“We also love what social sport can bring to people’s lives in terms of structure, teamwork and just plain enjoyment.

“So, we decided to build two courts of our own in one of our warehouses on White House Road.”

Construction of the courts, carried out by SEH French, took around four months to complete – including the removal of existing warehouse racking, laying a latex floor, installing the courts, fitting a welfare unit, wiring keypad entry systems and lots more behind-the-scenes work.

Will added the project has been an overall huge success for both the business and town as a whole.

He said: “So far, the reaction from both the public and our employees has been staggering.

“To be at this level after only two months is a bit ridiculous.

“The only problem is we can’t get a court ourselves – we might just have to build some more…”

Both courts at Padel Ipswich are available to the public seven days a week. Those looking to book the courts for themselves can find out more by visiting www.padelipswich.co.uk