PLANS to create new padel courts at Victoria Park in Southport have been submitted to Sefton Council.
Owners hope to be able to open the exciting new facility in Spring 2026.
Players will be able to enjoy 5 courts at Birkdale Padel, plus 3 refurbished tennis courts.
In a boost for park users, a new grab & go coffee kiosk will also open to the public and Victoria Park visitors.
A Sefton Padel Limited spokesperson said:- “We’re thrilled to announce that the planning application for Birkdale Padel, on behalf of Sefton Padel Limited, has now been officially submitted! A massive thank you to everyone for your patience — we had to wait for a number of specialist supporting surveys to be completed before submitting. We’ve also made an exciting update… our court surface colour will now be blue! This provides better visibility and matches the colour used on the professional tour."
The Birkdale site will feature:-
- 5 padel courts in total (with Phase 1 – 2 uncovered courts live for Spring, and Phase 2 – 3 covered courts ready by end of Summer)
- Vending for balls & racket hire
- 3 refurbished tennis courts
- Changing rooms, toilets & showers
- A grab & go coffee kiosk open to the public and Victoria Park visitors
A Sefton Padel Limited spokesperson continued:- “Big thanks to Sefton Council for their continued support throughout this process. There’s 2 hours free parking on Rotten Row, accommodating 80+ cars, and Birkdale Padel will be located just behind Penelope’s in Birkdale. The planning process can take up to 12 weeks, so we’re hoping for a decision around Christmas / New Year — right on track for our Spring 2026 opening! Work will begin immediately once permission is granted. For sponsorship details, court naming rights and advertisement opportunities on court glass and across the site, please contact us to join our waiting list, further details to be released following planning approval. We’ll also be sharing the planning reference number soon to everyone on our waiting list via email so you can show your support publicly on the planning portal — this will be a huge help in making Birkdale Padel a reality! Thank you all so much for your incredible support — we can’t wait to deliver a world-class padel venue with a top coach.”
In August 2025, Sefton Council announced that it had agreed Heads of Terms for a partnership with Sefton Padel to develop and manage brand new padel facilities at three sites across the borough.
Subject to obtaining planning consent, eleven new padel courts will be developed as part of a 6-figure investment programme. They will be located at Victoria Park in Southport, Coronation Park in Crosby and at Formby’s Duke Street Park.
Additionally, 9 existing traditional tennis courts will be refurbished to improve facilities for existing and new tennis players.
With its origins in Mexico, Padel is a racquet sport, similar to tennis but played on smaller, enclosed courts. Racquets and balls are also smaller than in tennis and players can bounce shots off the walls.
Founded and owned by local entrepreneur Paul McComb, Sefton Padel is a new Sefton company. After a competitive procurement process, the Council has appointed Sefton Padel to lead on the development, delivery, and long-term operation of these facilities.
Sefton Padel’s commitment to the local community and local economy to community engagement includes free introductory sessions for local schools, holiday coaching camps for children and collaboration with local tradespeople and suppliers.
Speaking in August, Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said:- “I am delighted that we are working with a new Sefton-based business to deliver this exciting development, which will give people across the borough the opportunity to take part in the fast-growing sport of padel. All 3 sites will be delivered and maintained to a high standard. They will include modern technology such as secure smart entry systems and automated lighting. Along with the refurbished tennis courts, the new facilities will help the Council ensure Sefton’s parks are vibrant, sustainable places that meet the needs of today’s communities.”
Paul McComb, Director of Sefton Padel, said:- “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Sefton Council and with local volunteers to bring this fantastic new offering to Sefton – providing high-quality padel facilities that everyone in the community can enjoy.”
To stay up to date with every stage of progress and to be 1st to hear when membership and court bookings go live, join the waiting list at seftonpadel.com.
