Sutton could get its first public padel courts before Croydon following the announcement from the London Cancer Hub at Belmont.
Padel promise: the temporary ‘meanwhile’ use on land by the London Cancer Hub, could open this summer
Social Sports Society, the padel operator behind ventures like Wembley Park Padel, has resubmitted a planning application for a change of use.
“The four-court facility will transform a currently vacant space within the site and form part of Aviva and Socius’ vision for the development of the London Cancer Hub,” the developers say.
That scheme is liable to take longer to reach fruition, while the Belmont padel park is hoping to be open this summer.
Padel is a relatively recent variant racket sport which combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. It’s usually played in doubles on a small, enclosed court, where the walls are used as part of the game.
The developers of the Belmont scheme say that it “will support dozens of jobs”.
Designed to improve community cohesion, the courts will prioritise advanced bookings for local residents and London Cancer Hub employees who can benefit from discounted rates. Social Sports Society initially claimed that the facility could also be used as a social hub for other activities, including yoga, table tennis and running clubs, although this does not appear to be the case.
“Based on community feedback earlier in the year, the revised plans will use sympathetic lighting and see the courts covered by a canopy to mitigate any light or noise pollution,” the developers say.
Social Sports Society say that they have also outlined plans to maximise social impact through the facilities, with initiatives including free play sessions, coaching courses for at-risk youth and partnerships with schools to provide free padel facilities.
“By bringing people together through physical activity, we’re able to counter social isolation, create real connections and improve health and happiness outcomes right in the heart of neighbourhoods,” according to Tom Rooney, the CEO of Social Sports Society. .
“We’re thrilled to serve up our plans to bring this vibrant sport to the London Cancer Hub.”
The courts are planned to be in pace for seven years, while the long-term development of the much-delayed London Cancer Hub “progresses”, according to the developers.
“Built with adaptability in mind, the structures can be relocated or repurposed as needed,” which is nice.
The planning application can be found on the Sutton Council planning portal: search for DM2025/00336.
For more information on the London Cancer Hub, please visit https://cancerhub.london/.
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