A COLCHESTER padel tennis player and developer has said he is "really excited" after his plans for a cluster of courts in the city were given the greenlight.

Richard Hall-Smith, 38, is the brains behind Padel United UK, which he set up as part of the Swedish-based Padel United.

He recently submitted plans for five courts in Eudo Road, at Leisure World Tennis Centre with the goal of bringing the joys of padel tennis to Colchester for all to enjoy.

Now his wish has come true after Colchester Council bosses approved the proposals for the courts, which could be up and running by May or June this year.

Gazette: Sport - Richard Hall-Smith, who is delighted his plans have been approvedSport - Richard Hall-Smith, who is delighted his plans have been approved (Image: Public)
According to the blueprints, the courts will be made up of enclosed walls, fencing and floodlights and will be installed on an area currently not in use next to the existing grass and hard surface tennis courts.

“We’ve been working on it for years so it’s a long time coming," said Richard.

“We’re really excited. Colchester has been the one area everyone has been asking for in the Essex Padel community.

“We’ve had loads of interest, it’s been amazing. We’ve had almost 150 sign-ups already and we will be opening up more with some offers too.

“The key thing with padel is it’s a really inclusive sport, so it’s for everybody and it will be affordable.

“There will also be some of the best players and coaches from Essex coaching there.

“We’re looking forward to creating an Essex league across our sites too so there’s a lot to look forward to.

“On a personal note, this was the court I wanted the most, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Gazette: Proposal - What the padel tennis site could potentially look like (Image: Richard Hall-Smith)Proposal - What the padel tennis site could potentially look like (Image: Richard Hall-Smith) (Image: Public)
Padel tennis is a racket sport originating in Mexico and sees players use plastic and foam bats and a standard tennis ball which has to bounce once before being hit.

It is described as a mixture of squash and tennis and a unique aspect of the game is it uses walls which the ball can strike.

Michelle Burrows, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and heritage shared her optimism about the project, which is funded by Padel United UK.

Gazette: Site - The courts will be built next to the car park in Eudo Road (Image: Google)Site - The courts will be built next to the car park in Eudo Road (Image: Google) (Image: Google Maps)
She said: "We’re excited to unlock the full potential of our public spaces and sport and recreation facilities to improve residents' health, wellbeing, and happiness.

"By offering facilities that meet community needs, we aim to create a thriving city where everyone can benefit from modern amenities, active lives, and a strong sense of belonging.

"I believe that anything that can improve the wellbeing and fitness of the people of Colchester can only be a good thing."