Popular green space could make way for new padel courts in Holly Hill

A popular green space next to a leisure centre could make way for new padel courts as demand soars. 

Fareham Borough Council’s Executive will consider plans from Padel4All for a covered four-court centre on part of Coldeast Open Space, next to Holly Hill Leisure Centre, when it meets on Monday, November 2.

The company opened its first Fareham centre at Park Lane Recreation Ground in May this year.

Council documents say this site is already operating at around 80 per cent capacity and “frequently reaches 100 per cent occupancy”.

Padel4All now wants to use the green space near Holly Hill Woodland for a second centre, saying there is demand for another facility in the western part of the borough.

The entire cost of building the centre would be paid by Padel4All, meaning there would be no capital cost to the council. However, the council would receive a guaranteed annual rent from the site, as well as a share of some of the revenue generated through court fees.

Padel4All is seeking a 20-year lease, although it would have the option to end it after five, ten or 15 years.

The plans would involve disposing of around 1,600 square metres of public open space for the development. The council would have to publicly advertise for two weeks its intention to dispose of the land, and consider any objections received.

If objections are submitted, the matter would return to the Executive for further consideration.

Around 20 additional parking spaces are also proposed as part of the scheme. These would be available to everyone visiting the wider site rather than being reserved for padel players.

The centre would operate seven days a week and is expected to create around six jobs.

The courts would mainly operate on a pay-and-play basis, while Padel4All would also offer coaching, organised activities and competitions.

Councillors are being asked to agree in principle to the disposal of the land, subject to the consultation process, planning permission and other necessary assessments and approvals.

Homes England’s consent would also be needed before the lease could be completed.

If the project receives the necessary approvals, construction could begin in summer 2027, with the new centre potentially opening in early 2028. The council’s Executive will consider the proposal on Monday.