A DEVELOPER developer hoping to bring padel tennis to Colchester has revealed what residents could expect if plans for courts are approved.
Richard Hall-Smith, of Colchester, set up his own business, Padel United UK, which is part of Swedish-based Padel United, back in 2017.
Since then, he has built 24 courts across the UK at seven different venues, including Chelmsford and Maldon.
He is now looking to build a further 36 padel courts across the UK, including four in Colchester, pending planning permission.
If approved, the proposals would see the four disused tennis courts at the end of Eudo Road, past the Leisure World Tennis Centre site, revived and transformed into courts for padel tennis.
The project is set to be completely privately funded by the Mr Smith, who has funding available to expand padel tennis in the UK.
The developer has also confirmed investment will be put into the pavilion on the site to create a small coffee shop for the public to use.
Mr Smith, who is delighted to be able to bring padel tennis to his hometown, said: “I was born in Colchester, have lived most of my life in the city and have been searching since the beginning of my padel journey to find the right location to launch in Colchester.
“Having worked with the councillors for more than two years, it's great to see that the end is in sight and I can finally bring padel to Colchester.
“We are using the disused four old tennis courts to create the five floodlit padel courts with seating area.
"We look forward to working with both Lexden Hill tennis club and those using the public tennis courts to create the best community racket sporting area in the county.
“As a local, born and bred in Colchester, and a Colchester United season ticket holder, it's important to note this project is completely privately funded whilst we are paying a long-term rent to the council."
If the plans are approved, Mr Smith hopes the works will be completed in spring this year.
“I have been monitoring the comments closely on our planning application and we want to work with the council to make sure we achieve the perfect solution for road safety and sport participation," he added.
Padel tennis is a racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court which is slightly smaller than a doubles tennis court.
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