Former kitchen store could become padel courts

Plans to convert a former kitchen store into padel courts have been submitted.

The Magnet store on Boongate in Peterborough closed in the summer of 2024, and documents submitted to the city council propose that the property is modified internally.

Padel combines elements of tennis and squash and has become one of the fastest-growing sports in Great Britain, according to the Lawn Tennis Association.

The plans, submitted by Cleveland Land Services, include four double courts, three single courts, changing rooms, a viewing balcony and a bar or cafe area.

The demand for padel in Peterborough has grown in recent years, with three new centres being approved within a few months last year.

The new application has been made for a lawful development certificate, arguing "it is considered that should the building be operated as a padel court with sales of cold food and drink for consumption on the premises, this would not represent a breach of existing planning controls that the property is subject to".

Cleveland Land Services, which is a sports and landscaping contractor, says there would be a small kitchen and food preparation area.

The application was received by the council on 27 April.

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