Padel Courts within Taverham Recreational Facility, Norwich

Taverham Recreational Facility, located just outside Norwich, represents a collaborative initiative between several community stakeholders including Norwich City Hockey Club, Broadland Hockey Club and Taverham High School. This volunteer-led consortium, has worked to enhance local sports provision through strategic development planning and stakeholder engagement.

Following extensive consultations with both the local planning authority and Sport England, formal approval was granted for the construction of a dedicated Padel facility. The approved scheme comprises three indoor Padel courts, a single outdoor court and a range of ancillary amenities to support both players and spectators. This addition aims to diversify the existing recreational offerings and to meet a growing demand for Padel, as a rapidly expanding sport within the UK and internationally.

The project's significance lies not only in the introduction of new sports infrastructure but also in the way it exemplifies community-led development. The planning process involved thorough assessment of spatial, environmental, and community factors, aligning the proposal with broader objectives for inclusive and accessible recreational spaces. Moreover, the partnership between local sports clubs and educational institutions underscores a shared commitment to long-term community wellbeing and youth engagement.

By situating the Padel facility within an already active recreational hub, the development reinforces the multifunctional use of public sports spaces. It also contributes to broader goals around physical health, social cohesion, and local identity. In this context, the facility serves as both a practical resource and a model for cooperative urban recreational planning.