IM Properties Peddimore

A DEDICATED PADEL FACILITY FOR BIRMINGHAM

We are working with The Padel Club to bring Birmingham’s first dedicated Padel Club facility to Peddimore. Padel is the fastest growing racket sport in the UK and offers a highly social and inclusive team sport, connecting players of all ages and abilities in a purpose-built space.

Backed by high-profile sports people including Michael Vaughan, Jos Buttler, James Milner and Shay Given, IM Properties and The Padel Club are submitting a planning application for a 10-court facility.

This will include two open-air courts and eight covered courts, built to high-specification standards on the Hub plot at the gateway to Peddimore.

Map

The proposals have been designed to reflect padel’s highly sociable and accessible nature. A new clubhouse (including a café) and outdoor social space will provide inclusive areas for relaxation and enjoyment.

The Padel Club is committed to delivering venues that offer incredible service and an unrivalled experience for players and spectators.

Inclusivity lies at the heart of The Padel Club’s aspirations for Peddimore.

Peddimore has been chosen by The Padel Club due to its strategic location within Birmingham. Now part of the Sutton Connect Green Travel District, it is highly accessible by walking, cycling or public transport. Padel’s inclusive ethos aligns strongly with IM Properties’ Sustainable Futures vision which focuses on People, Planet and Place.

Subject to securing approval, the facility will be open to employees and members of the public, offering coaching for beginners, intermediate and advanced players.

An indicative plan of the potential design and layout for The Padel Club scheme

Key facts about padel:

  • Numbers playing: As of 2023, approximately 90,000 people play padel in the UK. LTA This marks a significant increase from 2020, when there were about 6,000 players.
  • Played in doubles: Unlike many racket sports, padel is almost exclusively played in doubles (2 vs. 2). The smaller court size and the dynamics of the game make doubles play more strategic and engaging, with players relying heavily on teamwork and positioning.
  • Walls are in play: One of padel's most distinctive rules is that the walls are part of the game. Similar to squash, players can hit the ball off the walls, which opens up a variety of angles and makes for longer, more strategic rallies.
  • Growing popularity worldwide: Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, especially in Spain and Latin America. Spain alone has over 20,000 padel courts, and the sport's popularity is expanding rapidly in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.
  • Easier to learn, physically accessible: Padel is considered easier to pick up than tennis due to its smaller court size, underhand serve, and use of walls to keep the ball in play. It's also less physically demanding, making it popular among a wide range of ages and fitness levels.