Advantage Padel is set to open its doors later this month, bringing one of the most ambitious padel facilities in the UK to the South West and underlining the sport’s rapid growth nationwide.
The new three-storey venue will officially welcome founding members on January 24 and 25, before opening fully to the public on January 26. Additional facilities, including bars and a gym, are scheduled to open by mid-February.
Nick Macey, Head of Padel and Programme Manager at Advantage, believes the scale and vision of the site will set it apart from any other club in the region.
“My role is split between coaching, running mix-in sessions and managing the wider programme”, Macey explained.
“That includes bringing in corporates, charities, universities and schools. Padel is so popular right now that a site this size is just going to fill itself.”
Advantage Padel boasts six super panoramic courts, high-grade Spanish astroturf and a unique three-storey viewing gallery that allows spectators to watch every court simultaneously.
“We’re the only club in the area with this type of panoramic court and a viewing gallery across all six courts,” said Macey.
“Normally you’re standing behind one court to watch a match. Here, you can sit, have a drink and watch everything at the same time. That’s why this is going to be Advantage’s premier UK site.”
The building, owned by Somerset County Council, is leased by Advantage Padel and funded by Australian property developer Rob White, who has invested in padel and pickleball facilities across the world.
Looking ahead, Macey believes the venue could develop into a national hub for the sport.
“The aim is to host county teams, university players, Grade One and Grade Two tournaments and potentially even national championships,” he said.
“Because it’s indoor, 13 metres high and built for spectators, it allows 50 to 200 people to watch a padel match properly.”
Padel’s rapid rise in the UK is something Macey has witnessed first-hand.
“It’s gone bananas,” he said. “More kids, more women and more families are getting involved. It’s incredibly accessible. After 20 minutes, beginners are already rallying and having fun.”
That accessibility has already attracted strong interest from universities, with Advantage Padel set to host a Bournemouth University padel charity fundraiser in the coming weeks.
Ben Cooper, President of Bournemouth Padel Society, was among the first members of the public to trial the courts and believes the venue represents a major step forward for student padel in the region.
“The courts are incredible and I feel very privileged to have tested them”, Cooper said.
“Advantage are building something genuinely special and it’s exactly the type of venue padel in the UK needs.”
Cooper confirmed that all Bournemouth University societies will compete in a timed-match tournament to raise money for charity, with Advantage Padel hosting the tournament.
He said: “As a society, we’re extremely excited to bring everyone together in one place.
“Advantage have been incredibly accommodating and the viewing gallery and bar on the same floor make it the perfect venue for an event like this.”
Bournemouth University Padel Society is expected to confirm a date for the fundraiser in the coming days.
By Jack Burford
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