Bannatyne Ingleby Barwick plan extra padel courts after demand surge

The Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in Ingleby Barwick has submitted plans to Stockton Council for two additional padel courts following the popularity of the sport, which blends tennis and squash and is played on an enclosed court with glass walls, most often in doubles, at the Myton Road site. The club opened its first two padel courts in summer 2025 and says it has since seen “consistently high usage”, with strong interest from both members and non-members of the club.

This has prompted plans to expand facilities for padel, which is described as an easy and accessible sport to pick up for people of all ages and abilities. The new proposal would see new outdoor courts installed within the club grounds, featuring synthetic playing surfaces, glass surrounds, canopy cover and floodlighting to allow year-round play.

The club proposes the new outdoor courts next to the existing health club, to the north of the main building and west of the main car parking area, on land currently occupied by soft landscaping. The area accommodates cycle parking and outdoor seating.

A design and access statement by Jackson Design Associates says: “The proposed padel courts represent a significant improvement, providing modern, accessible facilities that will deliver health, well-being, and community benefits which clearly outweigh the loss of the former use… The padel courts will be covered by a fabric canopy system, providing a robust and versatile solution that creates a durable, weather-resistant playing environment.

“The enclosures will comprise a combination of glass and weld mesh rebound walls with fence panels, supported on steel posts fixed to a concrete foundation. The playing surface will be finished in synthetic turf.

The Bannatyne Health Club and Spa at Ingleby Barwick has applied for permission for more padel courts after it says two existing courts for the growing racquet sport have proven popular. Picture: Bannatyne Group.

“The padel court playing surface will consist of a single-tone, sand-dressed synthetic turf, finished in blue, covering both the court and out-of-court play areas. The padel courts will be floodlit using extended fence posts that form part of the surrounding enclosure.

“There will be no change to the current parking arrangements. Pedestrian and cycle access arrangements will remain unchanged.”

Padel, widely regarded as the world’s fastest-growing participation sport, is easy to learn and suitable for all ages and abilities. Combining elements of tennis and squash and usually played in doubles format, the enclosed court allows the ball to rebound off surrounding glass, creating fast-paced rallies and a sociable playing experience.

Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the Bannatyne Group, said: “Since opening our first courts at Ingleby Barwick last summer we have seen excellent uptake and sustained demand, with players quickly embracing the sport. Expanding the facilities will allow more people to get on court and reflects how popular padel has become locally.

“Padel is a key part of our investment programme across the UK, and the response here demonstrates how much people value sociable, accessible ways to stay active.