Depot, the live music and events venture, has submitted plans for a new indoor padel complex close to Cardiff city centre. The proposed 25,000 sq ft facility would be built behind its existing venue off Dumballs Road and, subject to approval, could open next spring.
Plans for a six-court facility
The project, valued at £850,000, would transform an existing warehouse building into a space featuring four double courts and two single courts. It marks Depot's expansion into the sporting arena and forms part of a wider ambition to develop the surrounding site into a multi-use destination combining live music, leisure, hospitality and social activity.
Coffee will also be available at the club, with further food and drink details to be announced in due course.
Design and vision for the club
Nick Saunders, founder of Depot, said: "We want to create somewhere close to the buzz of the city centre, where people can enjoy a great game, meet friends and spend a bit of time - but also somewhere with the atmosphere and character people already associate with Depot."
He added: "The indoor courts are at the heart of it, but we've thought about the whole experience, from warming up, to having a coffee and a catch up afterwards - or bringing your colleagues or clients down for a meeting and a game."
Growing popularity of padel
Studio Severn created the designs for the space, which retain the building's industrial character by combining exposed brickwork, steel roof structures and raw materials. Sophie Martinez, founder and designer at Studio Severn, said: "There is plenty of character already in this space, so our design scheme complements this with bold orange courts, occasional planting and contemporary lighting."
The popularity of padel, described as a mix between tennis and squash, continues to grow, with the Lawn Tennis Association reporting one million players in the UK. Planning for the project is being overseen by KEW Planning, whose founder and managing director, Kathryn Williams, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Depot in bringing forward this exciting proposal, which will introduce a new sporting and leisure opportunity to Cardiff."
