Plans for an indoor padel facility in Creekmoor have received high levels of local support after being given the go-ahead by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in October.
The proposal, launched by local company Cross-Court Padel, would see the first set of indoor padel courts in the locality.
It only received two objections out of the 64 comments by local people and businesses.
Despite complaints about the land not being used for housing, the majority of locals are happy the land will meet the need for more sports facilities in Poole.
Local resident Howard Niepold, who has lived in Creekmoor for 25 years, believes the site will be very beneficial to local residents.
“I really do think it’ll be good for the community, we need more sports areas around here,” Niepold said.
He added: “I also think it’ll be really good for the younger people in Creekmoor.”
The seven-court complex will add to the eight courts already available in Dorset.
Leader of padel at East Dorset Tennis, Karen Adams, says there is a need for more courts in the local area.
Adams said: “There’s plenty of scope for more padel courts.
“It’s gone absolutely crazy. Since we opened in July, we now have 246 padel members, and we’ve had over 1000 people use our courts.
“Once people play it, they get instantly addicted.”
Adams believes the site will be a great addition to the local area.
Adams said: “I absolutely support it. I don’t see them as competition, there’s plenty of room for both of us.
“The more people who play padel, the more facilities you need and its great for the sport.”
Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with a 60% increase in courts built in 2024 alone.
UK Men’s Number 1 Christian Murphy puts it down to the accessibility of the sport and believes the sky is the limit for its popularity.
Murphy said: “It’s very easy to start, you can play it with your friends and have lots of fun.
“It’s going to be massive, not just because it’s very social and easy to play, but the companies and brands can make lots of money.”
The seven-court facility is expected to open during the Christmas period.
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