Kendal Set to Welcome South Cumbria’s First Dedicated Padel Centre
Kendal is set to get South Cumbria’s first dedicated padel centre, bringing one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports to the town.
Performance Padel Kendal is expected to open at Castle Mills Business Park on Aynam Road. The new indoor centre will include five courts, changing rooms, a reception area, a café and staff facilities.
The project was approved by Westmorland and Furness Council after plans were submitted by Blackpool-based Performance Padel Ltd.
The centre is expected to open in July 2026, giving local players a new place to try the sport, train and take part in social games.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that mixes parts of tennis and squash.
It is usually played in doubles on a small enclosed court. The court is surrounded by glass or solid walls, which players can use during rallies. This means the ball can bounce off the walls and stay in play, much like squash.
Players use short, solid rackets and a soft ball. The game is often seen as easier to pick up than tennis, as the court is smaller and rallies can start quickly.
This has helped padel grow in popularity with beginners, families and experienced racket sport players.
Five Courts Planned for Kendal
The new Kendal centre will be built inside a warehouse at Castle Mills Business Park.
Plans show the site will have five indoor padel courts. This should allow the centre to host casual bookings, coaching sessions, small leagues and group events.
The planned café and reception area also suggest the venue will be more than just a place to play. It could become a social hub for people taking part in the sport.
Changing rooms and staff areas are also included in the approved plans.
Why Kendal Was Chosen
Performance Padel has identified Kendal as its first location in Cumbria.
The town is well placed to serve players from across South Cumbria, including nearby villages and communities around the Lake District. Its location also gives the centre access to both local residents and visitors.
Castle Mills Business Park is already a known commercial site in Kendal. Bringing a leisure and sports venue to the estate could help increase footfall and add a new use to the area.
A Boost for Local Sport
The arrival of a dedicated padel centre will add another option to Kendal’s leisure scene.
Padel has become popular because it is social, fast-paced and open to a wide range of ages and abilities. It can be played competitively, but many people enjoy it as a fun way to stay active.
The sport may also appeal to people who already play tennis, squash or badminton. However, new players can also get involved without needing years of experience.
For Kendal, the centre could help meet growing demand for modern indoor sports facilities.
Part of a Growing UK Trend
Padel has seen rapid growth across the UK in recent years.
More courts are being built in towns and cities as demand rises. Many new venues are designed around both sport and social use, with cafés, coaching, events and community sessions.
The planned Kendal centre follows this national trend, but it also brings the sport to a part of Cumbria where dedicated facilities have been limited.
If successful, Performance Padel Kendal could introduce many more people in South Cumbria to the game.
Opening Expected in 2026
Performance Padel Kendal is expected to open in July 2026.
Once open, the venue will give people in Kendal and the wider area access to five indoor courts. It will also provide a new place for lessons, casual games and club-style play.
For a sport that continues to grow quickly, the new centre could place Kendal firmly on the padel map.
