Padel in Kirklees: How Sport Architecture Builds Community
The padel phenomenon has arrived in Kirklees, with PARKdesigned Architects leading design development for a dedicated facility. The practice is assessing a promising site and preparing proposals for three padel courts and a purpose-built clubhouse. The brief is to strengthen community ties and deliver high-quality sporting experiences through focused sport architecture. As one of the established leeds architecture firms working from Leeds and London, the practice brings sector breadth and delivery rigour to a local community scheme.
Kirklees Context and Community
Padel is among the UK’s fastest-growing activities, valued for accessibility and social interaction. Its compact footprint—around one-third of a tennis court—enables active, high-amenity hubs on urban and edge-of-centre sites. Local momentum is evident: proposals include transforming a derelict bowling green near the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, while neighbouring Huddersfield is welcoming a 45,000 square foot facility, building on the town’s early adoption of the sport.
Designing for Community
PARKdesigned’s approach prioritises buildable, community-led outcomes. A clear massing strategy aligns courts, clubhouse, and landscape to support intuitive wayfinding, passive surveillance, and inclusive viewing. The clubhouse forms the social heart, with spectator zones, flexible spaces for events, and large glazed openings that maintain visual connection between indoor amenities and outdoor play.
Technical and Sustainable Approach
The design process begins with site analysis and stakeholder consultation to optimise accessibility, orientation, and movement. Sustainable architecture measures include energy-efficient LED lighting, natural ventilation, options for renewables, and water management to minimise operational impact. Materials prioritise durability and maintenance efficiency, with non-combustible products specified to suit public assembly use and align with compliance requirements. Beyond sport, the practice delivers residential architecture and commercial architecture, energy centres architecture, high-rise development architecture, and fire safety cladding remediation, incorporating EWS1 processes and PAS 9980-aligned strategies. As a leeds residential architect among the architecture firms in leeds and architecture firms Leeds trusted for delivery, this experience informs the Kirklees scheme.
Specifications and Delivery
Courts are set out to International Padel Federation standards—20 metres by 10 metres—with defined wall heights and transparent/solid zones. Drainage is engineered for Yorkshire weather using integrated surface and subsurface solutions. Lighting provides uniform illumination for competition and recreation whilst minimising light spill to surrounding areas; automated controls support efficient scheduling.
Partnerships and Next Steps
The project strategy emphasises public transport connectivity and cycling to encourage sustainable travel. Collaboration with schools, clubs, and community organisations will broaden participation, while the clubhouse programme supports coaching, classes, and meetings for year-round activation. PARKdesigned will share updates as the scheme advances through design and planning. Appreciation is extended to clients, consultants, and local stakeholders for continued collaboration, supporting a benchmark for sport architecture and community benefit across Yorkshire.
