Soul Padel is set to launch Merseyside’s first covered padel courts in St Helens. The state-of-the-art facility will feature four canopy-covered courts and a modern clubhouse, marking a significant milestone in the area’s regeneration efforts. Located at Queens Park Recreation Ground, the new facility is expected to open in early spring 2025.
Mark Hewlett, Founder of Soul Padel, expressed excitement about bringing padel to St Helens and being part of the town’s ongoing regeneration. He emphasized that the site will be the only covered padel club in Merseyside and aims to welcome players from across the region and beyond. The project aligns with St Helens’ commitment to economic regeneration and investment in community recreation.
Cllr Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Leisure, highlighted the borough’s strong sporting heritage and the importance of encouraging more people to get active. She praised Soul Padel’s mission to make the sport more accessible and affordable, which will support the wider aims of the Active Lives Strategy to encourage people to move more and support the redevelopment of brownfield land.
In addition to expanding access to padel, Soul Padel plans to build close ties with local educational institutions, including Liverpool’s three universities, Edge Hill University, and St Helens Sixth Form College. The goal is to make the sport accessible to students and young people across the region. Padel’s inclusive nature aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) objective of sustainable development to enhance local sports provisions.
The new padel facility will be a key asset to the St Helens community and surrounding towns, offering an accessible alternative to those who would otherwise need to travel to Manchester. With its fun, social, and physically engaging experience, the facility promises to integrate closely with the town centre and contribute positively to the local area by promoting healthy lifestyles.
