Padel is easy to learn and suitable for players of all ages and abilities, making it an accessible alternative to tennis while still offering a strong cardiovascular workout and social element.

The Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in Livingston has secured planning approval for new padel courts, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to the West Lothian club.

West Lothian Council has granted permission for the development at the club on Charlesfield Road, which will see three full-size doubles courts installed within the grounds of the health club, open to both members and non-members.

The courts will feature artificial turf playing surfaces, glass and mesh surrounds, canopy cover and floodlighting, allowing the facilities to be used throughout the year.

The new courts will be located on an area currently used for football pitches within the club grounds and will form part of Bannatyne’s ongoing investment programme to expand its racquet sports offering across the UK.

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Padel is easy to learn and suitable for players of all ages and abilities, making it an accessible alternative to tennis while still offering a strong cardiovascular workout and social element.

Played on an enclosed court where the ball can rebound off surrounding glass walls, the sport combines elements of tennis and squash and is typically played in doubles format.

Originating in South America, padel has grown rapidly across Europe and the UK in recent years as more people look for sociable ways to stay active. Spain now has more than six million regular players and the sport is widely predicted to become an Olympic event within the next decade.

Work on the Livingston courts is expected to begin before the summer, with the new facilities set to be open to both members and non-members once completed.

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Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the Bannatyne Group, said: “Padel is becoming one of the most popular participation sports in the UK and we are continuing to invest in courts across our clubs to meet that growing demand.

“The sport is accessible, sociable and great fun, which makes it a perfect fit for the Bannatyne community. These new courts in Livingston will give both members and local residents another exciting way to stay active and enjoy time together.”

The Livingston club already offers a wide range of facilities including a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, spa and group exercise programme. The addition of padel will further enhance the club’s sports and wellbeing offering for members and the wider community.

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