Padel centre plan in former engine shed revived

Proposals for a new padel centre close to Leeds city centre have been revived, three years after initial plans were put forward.

The Roundhouse, a Grade II-listed former railway engine shed close to Armley Gyratory, would be converted into a leisure space under a new scheme proposed by Ollo Padel.

One of the fastest growing sports in the UK, padel is often described as a cross between tennis and squash and is played on a court around a third of the size of a traditional lawn tennis court.

Ollo Padel said it was aiming to have the "community-led" facility open before the end of 2026.

A previous padel centre scheme by another operator was pitched to Leeds City Council in 2023 for The Roundhouse, which was built on Wellington Road in 1847 and accommodated up to 20 locomotives during the Victorian era.

However, the plans were never realised.

Ollo Padel said it planned to offer free school coaching lessons and its facilities would appeal to people of all ages and abilities.

The firm aimed to create five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space and fitness studios.

It also said 14 permanent jobs would be created at the facility.

Luke Gidney, Ollo Padel founder, said: "We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds.

"We're still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans.

"We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

Related stories

• Padel tennis plans for listed railway engine shed
• Railway engine shed set to become tennis venue
• The rise of padel and why it's so popular