‘Excellent news’ as plans for new padel centre in Holly Hill backed
New padel courts are on the way
Councillors have backed plans to give up part of a public open space for new padel courts.
Fareham Borough Council’s Executive unanimously agreed in principle to dispose of around 1,600 square metres of Coldeast Open Space for a four-court padel centre at its meeting on November 2.
If the plans go ahead, Padel4All would build the new facility next to Holly Hill Leisure Centre, having already opened courts next to Fareham Leisure Centre earlier this year.
Cllr Joanne Burton welcomed the proposals and said residents in the western wards would benefit.
She said: “I think this is an excellent news story. When do we get two positives with no negatives?
“We, as a council, are set to benefit from this, and our residents, especially those in the western wards, will.
“I popped into Padel4All in Fareham, and the staff there reassured me how busy it was and that the demand is there.”
Asked why Coldeast was the chosen location, leader Cllr Simon Martin said the existing Padel4All facility is next to Fareham Leisure Centre and the same thinking had been applied to the new site.
Cllr Ian Bastable admitted he would normally be reluctant to support the loss of the green space but said the expected benefits outweighed his concerns.
The Conservative for Park Gate said: “Under normal circumstances, I would be quite reticent about the loss of public open space.
“But the facility is likely to be very heavily used for recreational and fitness purposes.
“Because it is going to help people with their fitness and general wellbeing, I am okay with the loss of public open space.”
He added that he expected the centre to be “popular and well-used”.
The authority must now advertise the proposed disposal of the open space for two consecutive weeks, giving people an opportunity to make representations.
Any objections would need to be considered before the plans could progress.
The scheme also remains subject to planning permission, necessary assessments and consent from Homes England.
Padel4All would cover the cost of building the centre, while the council would receive income from leasing the land.