Blackpool Council has invited expressions of interest from operators to build and manage new padel courts at Blackpool Sports Centre, off West Park Drive.

The authority is offering a ground lease for a 1,250 sq m plot, judged suitable for four courts alongside a reception area plus toilet and changing facilities.

Padel, which blends elements of tennis and squash and is typically played as doubles within enclosed courts using solid racquets, has surged in popularity. According to the Lawn Tennis Association, 400,000 adults and children played the sport in 2024, up from 129,000 the year before.

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Cllr Jo Farrell, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for a business to bring a new facility to the town. We know how popular padel has become and we hope new courts close to what is already a busy sports hub will become very well used.

"Our wider sports facilities are growing and proving increasingly popular too. New equipment was installed across two of our gyms last year and in January alone 700 people joined the Palatine, Moor Park and Sports Centre gyms, showing the real appetite for sports and leisure options."