Swansea council has submitted plans to build three state-of-the-art padel courts on Mumbles seafront, replacing the former tennis courts along Mumbles Road.
The site has been closed while major sea defence works were completed to protect the area from coastal flooding. During that period, the council asked residents, businesses and local stakeholders what they would like to see on the site once it reopened. That consultation met with an "overwhelming" response calling for the return of racquet sports, with many specifically highlighting padel, a sport that combines tennis and squash.
Growing popularity of padel
Padel is one of the UK's fastest-growing sports. In 2019, around 15,000 people played padel in the UK, but by 2025 the Lawn Tennis Association reported that approximately 860,000 adults and juniors were playing the game.
The council says the plans have been designed to reflect the feedback received. The proposal also includes a new pedestrian link between Mumbles Road and the seafront, as well as the reinstatement of car parking temporarily lost due to the redesign of the promenade. The council says retaining previous car parking capacity was a "key commitment" made before the works began.
Council response
Swansea council's cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, councillor Andrew Stevens, said: "These plans demonstrate that we have listened carefully to what our communities want and we are delivering on that feedback.
"We are also delivering on our commitment to reinstate car parking spaces lost during construction, providing convenience for visitors, and supporting local businesses.
"When we asked residents and local businesses what they would like to see on this site the overwhelming response was for racquet sports to return, with strong support for padel courts.
"Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK and is attracting people of all ages because it's fun, social, and easy to learn.
"We're delighted to be bringing these exciting facilities to Mumbles, creating new opportunities for people to get active while making the most of this prime seafront location."
