New padel courts and cafe could be coming soon to Wellingborough fitness club as plans submitted
Diana’s Health and Fitness in Wellingborough could be set for expansion as plans have been submitted to install four padel courts and a new cafe.
Should plans validated by North Northants Council on May 6 go ahead, the health and fitness club in Finedon Road, Wellingborough would see the rear of the building extended to house a new cafe, featuring large windows overlooking the new padel courts which would create ‘an active and attractive social space within the wider leisure facility.’
A planning document reads: “The site currently operates as an established gym and therefore already serves an important recreational and community role. The proposed development is intended to enhance and diversify that role rather than alter its essential character.
"The planning system is increasingly focused on the creation of healthy communities and on improving access to sport and physical activity.
"The proposal responds directly to that objective by delivering four dedicated padel courts at an existing and accessible leisure venue.
"The development will generate clear economic benefits through investment in an existing business, likely job support or creation associated with the expanded operation, and a strengthened customer offer.”
Each of the four covered courts, measuring 20m by 10m, would feature transparent glazed side panels, matt black metal framing and a lightweight roof form.
If approved, the new cafe area would add approximately 107 square metres to the overall size of the building, being a ‘modest single storey addition’ that is finished in vertical wood-effect cladding in an effort to complement the existing building.
The applicant, Diana's Health and Fitness, believes the plans would give users of the fitness club more options when it comes to activity and increase dwell time and on-site activity, while also supporting social interaction and community engagement.
The club, which currently costs £63.99 for a standard monthly membership, is looking to capitalise on Padel’s rise in popularity in recent years, being a sport that mimics doubles tennis in its format, albeit on a smaller, enclosed court akin to squash.
In Northamptonshire, new facilities in Brackmills, Northampton and Grendon Hall earlier this year have seen success, providing locals with a sport described by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as ‘fun, easy to learn and extremely sociable.’
A planning document adds: “The café extension is a complementary and ancillary component of the scheme. It has been conceived as a supporting facility for users of both the gym, the swimming pool and the proposed courts, providing a space for refreshment, rest, informal meetings and spectating. It will materially improve the quality and attractiveness of the site as a leisure destination.
“The added benefit of the café in the location as shown, is that it encourages the parents to socilaise and relax whilst spectating their children’s swimming lessons.
"The applicant hopes that, with the evidence and commitment presented within this statement, the council will view the proposal positively and favourably, recognising its ability to deliver genuine, long-term value for the people of Wellingborough and the wider north Northamptonshire community.”
The full application can be found online here or by searching 26/00719/FUL on the North Northants Council planning portal.