Blackpool approves new Soul Padel venue at Stanley Park

Blackpool Council has approved Soul Padel’s lease for land next to Blackpool Sports Centre off West Park Drive, clearing the way for a four-court padel venue at Stanley Park that is set to open early next year. The council says lease income will be ringfenced and put back into Stanley Park, while the site is expected to bring clubhouse space, toilets, changing rooms and a new sports option for residents.

The council says the project could create up to 12 jobs, including an apprentice, up to three coaches and clubhouse reception staff working seven days a week. Soul Padel is planning the Blackpool site as a participation hub, with women-only sessions, senior sessions, junior coaching, free school classes and holiday clubs among the programmes it intends to bring to town.

Stanley Park is marking its centenary in 2026. The park officially opened in 1926, covers about 390 acres and attracts more than two million visitors each year. A two-day anniversary celebration is planned for 2 and 3 October 2026, with 2 October set aside as the official anniversary day. Blackpool Council is also spending £500,000 on extra maintenance during the centenary year, including £50,000 raised by the Friends of Stanley Park.

The padel lease itself was put out to tender on 6 February 2026. The opportunity covered a 1,250 sq m plot described as suitable for four courts with reception, toilet and changing facilities, and the notice placed the value of the contract at £3 million excluding VAT, or £3.6 million including VAT. The lease term was estimated at 15 years, with a possible five-year extension to 31 March 2046.

Soul Padel already operates four facilities across England and Scotland, and its programmes include Soul Sisters for women, Soul Timers for older players, What’s That Racket? for schools, junior coaching and holiday camps. Blackpool Council says more than 10,000 people have used its sports facilities this year across gyms, pools and outdoor pitches.