Plans have been approved that will see a vacant commercial unit in Wokingham transformed into an indoor sports facility and three padel courts, bringing the fast-growing sport to the town for what is believed to be the first time.
Officers at Wokingham borough council, in granting the go-ahead for temporary (three-year) changes to Eastheath House on Eastheath Avenue, noted how the site has been vacant since January 2023.
The proposals sought to reconfigure the building to create an indoor sports facility comprising three padel courts (two double courts, and one single), with an associated reception, changing and toilet/washing facilities.
The proposed works are internal, and do not require alterations to the external appearance of the building.
In making their decision, officers said how the continued vacancy of part of the site is a relevant material consideration.
“The applicant has also demonstrated, via a letter from the commercial agent, that there have been difficulties with finding an industrial occupier.
“Therefore, the temporary reuse of the premises for an indoor sport use would avoid the harms associated with long‑term vacancy and would not prejudice the longer‑term employment function of the Molly Millars industrial area.”
Agents for the landlord added: “The building in its current state is providing no benefit in respect of employment.
“In comparison the proposed use will create employment for the equivalent of six full time employees, which is a significant economic benefit.”
No objections to the plans were submitted during the statutory consultation period.
Padel tennis is a racquet sport which is played on an enclosed court.
The rules are similar to tennis, played with similar balls, although serving is underarm and the walls, like squash, are used as part of the game.
Padel is suitable for all ages and caters to all levels of play. With limited racquet skills players can quickly engage in dynamic and fun rallies, utilising the court’s surroundings.
Padel is almost always played in doubles (on a full-sized court), which makes it very social and therefore ideal for the entire family.
The sport can be played by a wide range of age groups and ability levels, requires limited prior experience, and is quick to learn. This positions padel as a mass participation sport with appeal beyond traditional racket-sport users, enabling strong and consistent demand across multiple customer segments rather than reliance on a narrow or specialist audience.
Although the origins of the sport have mainly been in Hispanic countries it’s now spreading rapidly across Europe and the UK.
There are currently circa 300 courts in the UK, with the closest current facilities in Bracknell and Reading, with this facility thought to be the first in Wokingham.
Planning was granted on May 20, 2026.
