How to Turn a Warehouse into a Padel Club

🏗️ How to Turn a Warehouse into a Padel Club

Our End-to-End Design, Planning & Delivery Process

Opening a padel club inside an existing warehouse is an exciting opportunity — but it also comes with planning, technical, and construction challenges that need to be managed carefully.

This is our proven step-by-step approach to help clients take their concept from empty shell to fully operating padel venue.

1️⃣ Upfront Feasibility (2–3 Weeks)

Site Review & Test Fit

Every project starts with a detailed site walk and quick feasibility layout.
We identify how many courts fit safely — including run-offs, spectator flow, reception, café, changing rooms, and plant areas.

We also confirm critical constraints like ceiling height (minimum 6 m), column grids, door openings, slab levels, and access routes.

Constraint Check

We flag any early show-stoppers:

Parking and access limitations
Nearby noise-sensitive neighbours
Flood risk or servicing issues
Structural restrictions or low eaves

Lease & Terms

We review the Heads of Terms to ensure flexibility and protection:

Lease conditional on planning and building control
Rent-free fit-out period where possible
Defined landlord vs. tenant responsibilities
Consent for alterations and signage

Budget & Programme

We prepare an initial capex estimate covering courts, M&E, fit-out, fees, surveys and contingency, plus an outline programme with decision milestones.

2️⃣ Planning Strategy (6–12+ Weeks)

Planning Route

Most warehouses are Class B2/B8, while padel clubs fall under Class E (Indoor Sport, Recreation or Fitness).
This usually requires a Full Planning Application for change of use and any external modifications.

Pre-Application

We often recommend a pre-app with the council to review:

Parking and trip generation
Hours of use
Noise management
Café/bar areas and signage proposals

Planning Documents

We assemble the full evidence package:

Transport / Parking Statement
Acoustic Assessment (music, impact noise, façade breakout)
Planning Statement and Sequential Test (if out-of-centre)
Design & Access Statement with drawings
Flood, Drainage or Lighting Notes (where relevant)

Submission & Determination

We handle submission, liaise with planners and discharge conditions such as hours, travel plans, cycle parking and noise limits once approval is granted.

3️⃣ Technical Surveys (In Parallel)

While planning runs its course, we commission essential surveys:

Measured building & topographic survey
Structural report (slab load capacity, anchoring, mezzanine feasibility)
M&E condition survey (power, gas, water, drainage, comms)
Asbestos R&D survey
Fire strategy review (escape routes, sprinklers, compartmentation)

4️⃣ Concept to Developed Design (RIBA 2–3)

Court Layouts

We create optimised layouts ensuring safe clearances, efficient circulation and excellent spectator visibility.

Support Facilities

We design integrated areas for reception, café/bar, changing rooms, pro-shop and offices to support commercial flow.

Services & Environmental Design

Mechanical and electrical strategy for ventilation, heating, and destratification in tall spaces.
Uniform, glare-free lighting over courts.
Acoustic treatments for comfort and noise control.

Accessibility & Compliance

All layouts meet Part M standards for inclusive access, with step-free entry, accessible WCs and showers.

Cost Review

We refine the scope through value engineering to keep the project aligned with budget.

5️⃣ Building Regulations & Approvals (RIBA 3–4)

We manage full Building Control approval, covering:

Part B Fire Safety
Part L Energy Efficiency
Part M Access
Part F Ventilation
Part K Protection from Impact
Part G Sanitation

We also obtain landlord consent, advertising consent for signage, and premises licences for café/bar operations.

6️⃣ Procurement (2–4 Weeks)

Delivery Route

Choose between:

Design & Build – one contractor responsible for all works, or
Traditional Procurement – retain design control and let court packages separately.

Tender Documentation

We issue complete tender packs: drawings, specifications, M&E briefs, finishes schedules, and padel system details.

Specialist Court Supply

We specify certified glass or mesh padel court systems, ensuring correct anchoring, warranties, and maintenance support.

7️⃣ Pre-Start & CDM Duties

In line with CDM 2015, we coordinate:

Principal Designer and Principal Contractor appointments
Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
Construction Phase Plan (CPP)

We ensure asbestos actions, welfare setup, and fire precautions are in place before work begins.

8️⃣ Construction & Fit-Out (8–14 Weeks)

Enabling Works

Strip-out, floor preparation, new openings, and shell upgrades.

M&E Installation

Power upgrades, LED lighting, emergency lighting, ventilation, heating and water systems.

Court Installation

Precise set-out and installation of padel courts, fencing, and glass walls.

Fit-Out & Finishes

Reception, café/bar, acoustic panels, durable sports flooring, and high-impact finishes.

Testing & Sign-Off

Commissioning of systems, fire and electrical certification, and final Building Control approval.

9️⃣ Pre-Opening & Operations

We wrap up with:

Discharge of planning conditions
Completion of O&M manuals and H&S file
Staff training and operational procedures
Soft launch events, marketing and community outreach

⚙️ Key Technical Standards

Element	Recommended Standard
Height	6 m clear over courts (minimum)
Slab	Level, reinforced, suitable for anchor bolts
Acoustics	Treated to reduce reverberation and breakout
Lighting	Uniform, low-glare across play area
Ventilation	Balanced air movement with destratification fans
Parking	Peak-time analysis and transport plan

📋 Deliverables Checklist

Feasibility Pack (layout, budget, programme)
Planning Application Set (Transport, Acoustic, DAS, Statement)
Building Control Submission & Fire Strategy
Tender Documentation
CDM Files (PCI, CPP, H&S)
Commissioning Certificates
O&M Manuals and Maintenance Log

💬 Start Your Padel Project

If you’ve found a potential warehouse or want to explore the feasibility of opening a padel club, we can help you navigate every stage — from concept and planning to construction and launch.