New proposal to transform SportsAble building to be considered by council

A proposal to transform Maidenhead sports pavilion with a new tennis facility will be considered by cabinet next week. 

Terms have been agreed with Berkshire Padel to take a new 20-year lease on the former SportsAble building.

Cabinet will consider a proposal to give the Braywick Park premises a new lease of life by creating a centre for padel tennis.

An officer report 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 avoid ongoing maintenance costs for the council.

The building is currently in poor condition and requires significant investment to bring it back into use.

The report will be considered by cabinet on Wednesday October 25. 

Berkshire Padel is working closely with the Lawn Tennis Association to expand the sport and the envisioned centre could host national and international tournaments.

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.”

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