Dear Members

Thank you for your patience while we have been progressing the Padel Project. While there is no sign of any padel courts being installed, this is not because we have been idle, but because we have been advised by Tendring District Council (TDC) that our planning application requires all documentation to be complete and accurate before submission. A lot of work has been taking place behind the scenes, and we wanted to provide a comprehensive update on where things currently stand.

As many of you will recall, we initially explored the possibility of building an indoor padel centre on tennis courts F, G, and H. However, due to high costs and the likelihood of limited support from TDC for development in a conservation area, we revised our plans and opted to pursue uncovered padel courts on tennis courts F and G instead. Following feedback on the proposed location, the courts were repositioned to tennis courts C and D. Further to this, on seeking professional advice, we were alerted to a technical issue with the layout, as, in the original design, the padel courts would have been positioned over a construction joint. The proposed layout of the courts was subsequently amended so that tennis courts C and D, could accommodate two padel courts and two permanent pickleball courts. 

During this time, we approached a number of padel companies to provide quotes for the installation of padel courts, as well as tennis court companies to quote for court resurfacing and marking out the pickleball courts. As we were finalising our assessment of the quotes for a full review by the Board, we were approached by a newly formed padel company offering to install covered courts at the Club. While their proposal was ultimately not in the Club’s best interests, it did prompt valuable discussion around the merits of covered versus uncovered courts. Covered courts offer clear advantages in terms of increased usage, additional revenue potential, and reduced maintenance, though they do come with higher installation costs.

After careful consideration, the Board has agreed that the installation of two covered padel courts is the best approach for the Club.

Since we embarked on the project, we have received proposals from those companies we approached; however, as the quotes were provided at different times, each offering had different specifications and approaches or were incomplete for what we now require. To ensure consistency and clarity across the submissions we have requested the companies to provide updated quotes. Once received, we will evaluate the options and determine the best path forward.

Due to the above, it means that we will not meet our end of Summer timeline for the installation. We do hope though, that you understand, with the level of investment involved, we would prefer to take our time to make sure that the Padel Project is a success and that we make the right and best decisions on behalf of the Club. 

We will continue to keep you informed as the project progresses.

Regards 

FOSLTC Board