Town’s first padel club set to have 24/7 opening hours

The applicant said with demand for the sport rising and 'no existing provision in Bolton', the plans would 'bring it to a new audience'

A new five-court padel club in Bolton is set to open close to the town centre.

Padel Bolton Ltd have published plans in the past week to convert and existing industrial unit to house five indoor padel courts at Bolton Central Business Park, Nelson Street.

A planning application says if approved, the club, within a 2,340 sq m unit, would be open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The applicant is part of the team behind Just Padel, Preston, which supporting documents state was Lancashire’s first indoor padel tennis club.

A planning statement, said: “The proposal seeks to establish the first purpose-built indoor padel tennis facility in Bolton, a project that will contribute to the borough’s health, well-being, regeneration, and economic objectives.

“Padel Bolton Ltd is part of a growing regional operator of padel tennis venues. The applicant is also the team behind Just Padel Preston.

“Since opening, that site has seen overwhelming public engagement, consistent court occupancy, and positive uptake from across the region.

“With demand for padel rising nationally, and no existing provision in Bolton, this proposal offers a strategic opportunity to bring the sport to a new audience and transform a dormant site into a valuable community asset.

“The proposed development involves the conversion of an existing vacant industrial unit into a high-quality indoor padel facility with five full-size courts, a reception area, social lounge, accessible toilets, and new signage.

“The proposal includes a request for 24-hour operation based on the success of this model in Preston, supported by an appropriate security and management framework.”

The application explained the reasoning behind the round-the clock opening time. “Demand spans early morning, daytime, evening, and overnight sessions,” is said.

“Users include shift workers, students, and social groups who value flexible access. “The building’s location, paired with appropriate security measures, including, 24-hour CCTV, staffing and an online booking system ensures that 24-hour use will not give rise to amenity or security concerns.

“All sessions are pre-booked, and access is controlled.”

Planners at Bolton Council will consider the change of use application in the coming weeks.