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A vacant warehouse in St Martin could be transformed into an indoor padel tennis facility with three courts, if plans submitted by the Jersey Padel Club are approved.
The proposal seeks to convert the warehouse on Rue De La Vignette – next to the existing Farmers Cricket Club – into a Padel academy.
The facility would include three indoor courts, changing rooms, exercise space, and a pro shop.
Pictured: The proposed site for the new padel academy is in St Martin.
Richard Brocken, founder of the Jersey Padel Club and one of the island's top players, said the sport was gaining traction in Jersey and that facilities would increase the number of players.
"By housing the proposed courts indoors, playing will not be weather-reliant, allowing access throughout the year," he added.
Mr Brocken also said that Head of Jersey Sport Steve Law and Sport Minister Andy Jehan "both expressed their enthusiastic support for this initiative".
The application has already gained much support from the sporting community and the public.
Jersey Sport said: "We believe that this application would be complementary and in line with the Government's published Inspiring an Active Jersey Strategy, promoting sport and physical activity in Jersey with a vision that Jersey will be a healthier, more productive and fairer society by being one of the most physically active populations in the world.
"The provision of high quality, private sector facilities into the sporting landscape is an an important aspect of improving access to sports, especially so in a new and growing sport such as padel."
Pictured: Richard Brocken, founder of the Jersey Padel Club, in action.
In the application's public comments, islanders highlighted the need for additional sporting facilities in the surrounding area.
Deputy Rose Binet said that she was "very supportive" of "creating a provision in an area of the island that has very little".
Meanwhile, John Wood saw it as "an opportunity in the east of the island for one of the most popular sports currently being played".
Claire Clarke said: "I think any new sports facility should be encouraged, and there is certainly a need for more padel courts on the island."
Others pointed to the health and wellbeing benefits of additional sporting facilities on the island, particularly in the east.
Neil Kelly said: "The more sports facilities, the better the island. This will be a great addition for the island. Fitter people, less draw on medical facilities, and a happier population."
Georgie Dodd welcomed it as "a very much needed facility in Jersey for a very popular sport", and Olivia French-Wood noted the benefits of a "fully indoor facility" allowing people to "enjoy the game all year round".
The application can be read in full HERE.
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