An activity centre that opened with great fanfare in Swansea four years ago may be replaced by padel courts. The Ninja Warrior UK site at Parc Tawe Retail Park could close, though no final decision has been made.
Planning Application Submitted
Parent company Burhill Group Ltd (BGL) has been in discussions with a padel court operator, Pure Padel Clubs Ltd, which has submitted a planning application to Swansea Council. The application proposes six padel courts—five doubles and one singles—along with changing rooms, a reception, and a cafe. It also seeks to vary a previous planning condition requiring the venue to be used as a Ninja Warrior centre.
Company Statement
BGL confirmed it is reviewing the future of the adventure facility and exploring options. Stephen Brown, BGL’s chief operating officer, said: “As part of that process we have engaged with a UK padel operator to explore potential future uses for the site and a planning application has been submitted to the local authority. No final decision has been made regarding the future of the venue and Ninja Warrior Swansea continues to operate as normal until further notice. Our immediate priority is ensuring our team members are kept informed throughout the process.”
History of the Venue
When it opened in 2022, BGL had high hopes for the centre, inspired by the Ninja Warrior UK television show. It featured obstacles, tunnels, and towers. The company already operated Bunkers!, an indoor crazy golf, darts, and ping-pong venue off Wind Street. Sophie Burke, BGL’s head of marketing at that time, said: “Swansea holds a special place for us with our Bunkers! site successfully operating there so we are thrilled to open another venue in Swansea, and indeed Wales, providing even more amazing experiences for friends, families, and students to enjoy.”
Celebrity Endorsement
Ninja Warrior UK co-host and football pundit Chris Kamara attended the Swansea venue and said: “It’s unbelievable. It’s as good as it gets. The warped wall is, well, if it’s not identical it nearly is. It’s so good. The obstacles are identical to the real thing to what you see on TV. Obviously the course is smaller because the scale of Ninja Warrior is incredible but this is a nice mini version.”
Padel Court Plans
Pure Padel Clubs’ plans include a new mezzanine level in the Parc Tawe building. Padel courts are a third of the size of tennis courts and surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mesh. The company said it would roll out a junior development programme at weekends and host female-only sessions and sessions for older people. It added that its coaches undergo training in Spain.
