Liverpool's floating padel courts at Princes Dock face a crunch licensing hearing before they can open, with hopes the first phase could launch later this month. The UK's first floating padel facility was granted planning permission last year, but operators must now clear a hearing with Liverpool Council officials before play can begin.
Licensing bid details
The proposed facility will feature three floating courts built on a special floating platform from Finland, with the courts themselves manufactured in Spain. Players and spectators would be able to socialise in a clubhouse on the water, which would include a bar, kitchen, decked seating area and a small specialist retail store.
Peel Waters has submitted a premises licence application seeking to open from 7am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with alcohol sold from midday until close. From Sunday to Thursday, the courts would open from 7am to 10pm, with alcohol sales from midday until closing time.
Objection and hearing
The application has met with opposition, prompting a committee hearing to be held on September 23. In a written submission to the licensing and gambling sub-committee, an objector said: "I don’t think it’s a good idea to sell alcohol on premises based on water unless extremely high safety standards are established." The objector added: "Make sure that access to the water is completely restricted."
It is hoped the first phase of the development will open later this month and will comprise two floating padel courts, an F&B offering and retail space. Pay-and-play options, corporate memberships and private hire of the courts will be available. The third floating court and clubhouse extension will follow later this year.
Peel Waters welcomes concept
Speaking last year when the project was first announced, James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters, said: "We are really pleased to be bringing the UK’s first floating Padel courts to Liverpool Waters. This floating concept demonstrates the open approach we have at Peel Waters to welcoming innovative, new ideas and collaborating with forward-thinking businesses to use our portfolio as a testbed for unique, UK-first activations on water and the surrounding land."
Whittaker added: "Padel is a fantastic, accessible activity and the social side of the sport is of utmost importance to us. We have thousands of residents, workers and visitors already on site at Liverpool Waters and we are constantly looking at new ways to connect-up the community and new activities for them to experience." He described the facility as "an iconic, must-visit Padel destination both for Padel enthusiasts and general spectators encouraging more socialising, friendship forming and opportunities for the area."
