Residents in Cardiff are up in arms over plans to turn an empty space, formerly a bowling green, into a pricey padel tennis centre. The proposed site, next to Pentwyn Leisure Centre, has local folks scratching their heads. They’re saying, “Why padel?”—especially with its steep price tags of up to £45 for 90-minute sessions.
With the council aiming to “complement the existing sport and leisure offer,” locals feel other facilities should take precedence, especially with the community pool still closed since March 2020. Residents are calling for options like an extended 3G football pitch or even a splash park to cater to more of the community—at a more palatable cost.
Rhian Vernall, a vocal community member, pushes for more accessible sports facilities, whereas Sam Bright emphasizes the unavailability of affordable local bookings for sports that locals actually want. As one resident put it, “These costly facilities should be in areas that can afford them, not here where access matters most.”
Councillor Joe Carter highlights the priority: refurbishing the Pentwyn pool and reintroducing activities that most benefit locals. Meanwhile, the council is open to expressions of interest in putting padel there, noting its rapid rise in the UK. As discussions continue, locals remain hopeful that investments will reflect the community’s needs. Let’s see what unfolds!