Social Sports Society submits planning application for Stockport padel venue

Social Sports Society has submitted a planning application to open a three court, 1,500 sq m padel venue at Stockport Exchange, the thriving business hub in the heart of the town centre.

Working with Stockport Council and development partner Muse, the sports venue provider is committed to delivering a community-focused padel offering for the town, encouraging people to get fit and healthy, meet new people and have fun in the process. Padel is a racket sport which is a hybrid of tennis and squash, played in doubles in an enclosed court with walls of glass and metallic mesh.

Bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to Stockport Exchange, Social Sports Society’s proposed venue will serve thousands of customers including local residents, businesses and visitors.

Located just three minutes’ walk from Stockport Railway Station and a short walk to the new transport interchange, the three-court venue will contribute to the area’s £1 billion regeneration programme. This includes future phases of Stockport Exchange, as well as the creation of a brand new neighbourhood spearheaded by Stockport MDC, to create thousands of new homes.

The site plans, which include a new reception area, have been designed by Manchester-based architecture firm IF_DO and JMS Planning is submitting the application on the company’s behalf.

The project will follow Social Sports’ Society’s successful launch of its Wembley Padel venue in the vibrant new north London neighbourhood of Wembley Park. The company is also developing further sites nationwide, including a multi-sports venue in Brent Cross, London.

Rachel Tan, Social Sport Society’s Director of Growth and Development, says: “We are thrilled to be launching our first Community Partnership Initiative with Stockport Council and Muse. Our mission is to work closely with local communities to empower individuals from all backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing through the power of social sports. We’re so pleased that Stockport and Muse share this vision.”

Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “This will be a fantastic resource in the heart of the town centre and I’m delighted that this space is being put to such good use while we plan the next phases of Stockport Exchange.

“Stockport Exchange is home to a diverse range of businesses and I’m sure this latest addition will prove to be really popular with both residents and workers.”

Ella Woodward, development manager at Muse, said: “Having the opportunity to bring an offering like this to Stockport is fantastic for the area. Muse is deeply embedded in the town and through our work on Stockport Exchange and Stockport 8, we’ve spoken to lots of local people and businesses. The feedback we receive often focuses around the importance of wellbeing and community, so we believe that a new padel venue will very well received.”

Subject to planning approval, the padel courts will be open for business after the summer.