Cabinet will consider proposals next week to give a sports pavilion at Braywick Park, Maidenhead a new lease of life by creating a centre of excellence for padel tennis.
Terms have been agreed with Berkshire Padel to take a new 20-year lease on the former Sportsable building.
An officer report to be considered on 25 October, says that Berkshire Padel would invest significant capital into refurbishing and improving the building and constructing internal and external padel tennis courts to deliver a new sporting facility for the borough.
This would also generate strong rental income – more than £1m over 20 years – to support council services and would avoid ongoing maintenance costs for the council.
Berkshire Padel is working closely with the Lawn Tennis Association to expand the sport and the centre, as envisioned, will be capable of hosting national and international tournaments.
The building is currently in poor condition and requires significant investment to bring it back into use. The letting, if approved, is conditional on Berkshire Padel obtaining planning permission for the works proposed, and on the approval of a Public Open Space disposal for a small external area that will used for the outside courts.
Councillor Adam Bermange, cabinet member for planning, legal and asset management, said: “This council-owned building has been left empty since being returned by the trustees of Sportsable, in summer 2021, when the charity was regrettably wound up. Councillors and officers have since explored options for a community-group use but, with the building in need significant investment to make it fit for purpose, this was not found to be viable.
“I’m pleased that this proposal will be considered by Cabinet at our meeting next week. However, it’s important to note that, should there be an agreement to lease to this sports club, this would be contingent upon them receiving planning permission for changes to the building and for the construction of outdoor courts immediately to the rear.”
Councillor Joshua Reynolds, cabinet member of communities and leisure, said: “Padel tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and I’m really excited that, subject to approval, it is coming to Maidenhead. With the ability to host national and international tournaments, this facility will be a great addition to the fantastic sports facilities that we have in Braywick Park and around the borough.”
The recommendations to Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday 25 October are to:
• Approve the leasing of the former Sportsable pavilion, Braywick Park to Berkshire Padel
• Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Legal and Asset Management, to conclude the negotiation of a new agreement for lease and lease to Berkshire Padel
• Approve the Executive Director of Place or their nominee, to consult with the Braywick Park Users Group for their views on the re-use of the building and external areas for a new sporting facility
• Approve the use of the Public Open Space Application and Consultation process and delegates the decision to the nominated officer.
If approved, the decision is subject to the usual call-in period.
The report to Cabinet can be found here: https://rbwm.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s48236/Leasing%20of%20former%20Sports%20Pavillion.pdf