Purpose

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Leisure seeking approval to invest in Padel Courts at the Outdoor Sports Centre.

Decision

(i)  To approve progression of the proposed development of Padel at the Outdoor Sports Centre.

(ii)  To approve a capital budget envelope of £1.0135m for the delivery of six covered outdoor padel courts at the Outdoor Sports Centre.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director – Resident Services following consultation with the Executive Director of Growth and Prosperity, and the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communities and Heritage, and the Director of Contracting and Procurement to take the necessary actions to give effect to this decision.

Reasons for the decision

The recommended option is to install six outdoor padel courts at the Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre (OSC) by converting three existing tennis courts, which are currently overlaid with two netball courts. Provision of eight tennis courts, including seven netball court overlays would remain, with two tennis courts to be covered and three resurfaced as part of the separate Outdoor Sports Centre Improvement Programme. The estimated capital cost of the project is £1,013,500.

Padel is the fastest growing sport in the world. The UK now has over 50,000 active players and court numbers have grown by 300% in the last three years, yet Southampton has no public padel provision. There is also currently no private provision within the city boundary. This investment positions the city's flagship outdoor sports site at the front of that demand. It appeals to?both traditional tennis players and new audiences.

Southampton City Council’s wider redevelopment of OSC is designed to improve inclusive access to sport and deliver sustainable economic, social, health and wellbeing outcomes, making padel a strong fit with the site’s long-term vision. The proposal is intended to strengthen the Outdoor Sports Centre’s role as a citywide participation hub, broaden the site’s commercial offer, and respond to the rapid growth in padel participation.

The project forms part of the wider Leisure Transformation Programme, which aims to modernise the leisure offer, improve financial sustainability and support positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing

This would not respond to the opportunity to broaden the Outdoor Sports Centre leisure offer, increase participation or improve the income-generating potential of the site.

Delay the project

Deferral would delay potential health, participation, customer and financial benefits and may reduce the Council’s ability to respond to changing demand for racquet sports.

Provide uncovered courts

This option may reduce capital cost but is likely to provide a less resilient year-round offer and may reduce the ability to maximise participation and use during poorer weather.