Construction has officially begun on Liverpool's first floating padel destination. Vibora Liverpool Waters will bring the fast-growing sport onto the water, giving players the chance to experience padel from a completely new perspective.
Located within the Princes Dock neighbourhood at Liverpool Waters, the destination will combine multiple floating padel courts with a waterfront clubhouse. It is set to open this autumn.
Unique playing experience
Gareth Evans, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, said: “Seeing Vibora Liverpool Waters begin to take shape at Princes Dock is an incredibly exciting moment for everyone involved.
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we wanted to match that energy with a destination that feels equally exciting and ambitious. Playing on floating courts in the heart of Liverpool Waters will be an experience unlike any other in the country.”
Players will step onto courts surrounded by water, with Liverpool's iconic skyline providing the backdrop to every match.
Development partnership
Working closely with waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters, the floating leisure development has been led by Gareth Evans, one of the UK's leading specialists in padel court construction and sport innovation, alongside entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and Huyton-born businesswoman Clare Hughes.
The floating padel destination will be delivered in two phases. The first phase of the development will open in September and will comprise of 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.
Community focus
The third floating court and club-house extension will follow later this year.
The company behind the plan say that alongside traditional padel games will be a full programme of community and wellness events, creating a flexible destination for players, businesses, groups and visitors to Liverpool.
Lauren Fenton, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, added: “From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a place people genuinely want to spend time in. Somewhere that brings together movement, wellbeing, social connection and opportunity.
“Vibora is being built around community. Whether someone comes to play padel, work from the clubhouse, network, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we want them to feel part of something special.”
James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters, added: “At Peel Waters, we're committed to working in partnership with ambitious operators and businesses that share our vision for creating vibrant waterfront destinations, and Vibora Liverpool Waters is a fantastic example of that approach in action.”
