A new padel centre is set to open at Rainton Bridge Business Park in Sunderland after the city council's planning department approved the proposals. The facility will feature six padel courts and is expected to generate 17 jobs.
Approval for six-court facility
Sunderland City Council's planning department has given the green light to plans for six padel courts in a section of the car park at the Rainton House office complex, situated within Rainton Bridge Business Park.
Applicant Malik Group Holdings submitted a planning application earlier this year to establish a base for the racket sport, which is played with specialist equipment within enclosed courts where the surrounding walls also form part of the game.
Facility details and employment
The proposals outlined a new sports facility comprising six padel courts, including four covered courts housed beneath canopy structures and two open-air external courts, along with changing rooms, a "pro shop" and a café/bar.
The submitted planning application stated the development would generate 17 jobs, comprising 10 full-time positions and seven part-time roles.
Planning considerations and conditions
Sunderland City Council's planning department granted approval for the application on October 30, 2026, meaning work can now move forward.
One matter considered by council officers concerned the introduction of a sports use within a "primary employment area", which ordinarily safeguards land for offices, general industrial and storage and distribution purposes.
Council planners concluded that the padel facility could be accommodated without displacing existing office space and would "provide an additional amenity for businesses and employees within the surrounding employment area". It was contended that, on balance, the proposal would be "compatible with the established character and function of the primary employment area and would not result in an unacceptable dilution of its function".
Following a request from council officers, revised plans were also submitted incorporating 30 on-site parking spaces for the development.
A council decision report states: "It is also the case that in terms of comings and goings, the site would largely operate as it has done in the past. It would not be considered that this would make the use incompatible with the established character and function of the primary employment area."
Those behind the project previously stated the padel centre would deliver a "high-quality recreational destination that promotes health and wellbeing, diversifies the amenity offer at Rainton House and makes efficient and sustainable use of underutilised previously developed land".
They further noted the padel centre would "utilise the existing vehicular access arrangements serving Rainton House", along with "safe pedestrian routes, accessible parking and electric vehicle charging provision".
Under planning conditions, the development must be brought forward within three years.
