A series of upgrades is being delivered at Woodside Leisure Centre and the adjoining Playing Fields to boost sport, fitness and outdoor amenities for residents.

PadelStars is bringing five new padel tennis courts to Woodside Playing Fields on the former Owls Bowls Club site. The canopy has been installed and court construction is in progress, with opening expected in April.

Padel, the UK's fastest-growing sport, blends tennis and squash. Played on a compact court that uses walls, it is easy to pick up, suits all ages and is usually played in doubles, making it both active and sociable.

The new complex will feature two open-air courts and three covered, floodlit courts built to international standards, plus a refurbished clubhouse with toilets, changing rooms and a café-bar.

Separately, Woodside Leisure Centre will undergo a £600,000 refurbishment to modernise its fitness offer, the first major revamp since 2018. Work is due to start on Monday 30 March 2026 and aims to enhance the member experience throughout the facility.

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Plans include a full gym refresh with new state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment. Functional training, free weights, resistance and cardio zones will all be expanded and upgraded to provide a broader choice of workouts.

Completion is expected in Spring 2026. While works take place, a temporary gym will be set up in the sports hall so members can continue to access a range of equipment.

Across Woodside Playing Fields, recent works include repairs to sections of the perimeter path, relocating a bin near the water fountain and improving the surfacing there, strengthening ground conditions beneath seating areas, and installing a safety barrier at the base of the zig-zag path to reduce the risk of cyclists and children entering the road unexpectedly.

At Woodside Athletic Stadium, the toilet block has been refurbished this year and a new drinking fountain added by the footpath. These follow last year's upgrades, including a fully accessible Changing Places facility and another water fountain, helping the area maintain high-quality provision for sport, recreation and community use.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: It's fantastic to see so many improvements taking place in Woodside. These projects will make a real difference for residents.

"We want people of all ages to be able to enjoy high-quality facilities that help them stay active, healthy and connected. These improvements will help ensure Woodside continues to be a great place for sport, recreation and community activity."