Building a padel court in the UK typically costs between £45,000 and £80,000 per court, although some projects can be completed for less when existing sports surfaces are reused. The final cost depends on factors such as groundworks, drainage, lighting, court specification and whether the court is indoor or outdoor.
For clubs, leisure centres and investors, padel has become an attractive opportunity due to the sport’s rapid growth and strong revenue potential. Recent figures show the number of padel courts in the UK increased from just 68 in 2019 to more than 1,000 by 2026, highlighting the huge demand for new facilities.
Warwick is a company that helps build padel courts, for more information, contact us as hello@warwickpadel.co.uk
What is The Average Cost of Building a Padel Court?
The cost of a padel court can vary significantly depending on the site and the quality of the installation. A basic outdoor court is usually the most affordable option, while indoor courts require additional structures and building work.
Industry estimates suggest that a standard outdoor padel court generally costs between £45,000 and £60,000. Indoor courts can cost £60,000 to £85,000 or more because of the additional construction requirements.
For clubs planning multiple courts, there are often savings through shared groundworks, lighting infrastructure and installation costs.
Building a Padel Court Cost Breakdown
The table below provides a general guide to the costs involved in building a padel court in the UK.
| Cost Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Padel court structure and glass walls | £25,000 – £60,000 |
| Groundworks and foundations | £5,000 – £30,000 |
| Drainage systems | £2,000 – £10,000 |
| LED floodlighting | £3,000 – £10,000 |
| Installation and labour | £3,000 – £8,000 |
| Planning and professional fees | £500 – £5,000 |
| Total typical project cost | £45,000 – £80,000+ |
These figures will vary depending on location, site conditions and whether existing infrastructure can be reused. Converting an existing tennis court can often reduce groundwork costs considerably.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Building a Padel Court?
Groundworks are often the biggest variable in any padel court project. If a site requires excavation, levelling or drainage improvements, costs can rise quickly.
The type of court also affects the budget. Panoramic courts with larger glass sections are more expensive than standard designs. Indoor courts require roofing, ventilation and additional structural work, which can significantly increase costs.
Lighting is another important consideration. Most commercial venues install high-quality LED floodlights to allow evening play throughout the year. While this adds to the initial investment, it increases court availability and potential income.
Are There Grants Available for Building Padel Courts?
Yes, there may be funding opportunities available for eligible organisations.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has previously supported padel development through funding programmes and financing initiatives designed to increase participation and expand facilities across the UK. In some cases, clubs may also be able to access funding through Sport England grants or local authority sports development schemes.
Availability and eligibility criteria can change over time, so clubs should contact the LTA and Sport England directly to discuss current funding opportunities before starting a project.
For community sports clubs, schools and local authorities, grants can help reduce the upfront cost of construction and improve the overall return on investment.
How Much Return Could You Make on a Padel Court Business?
One of the main reasons investors are attracted to padel is its revenue potential.
Court hire prices vary across the UK, but many venues charge between £20 and £100 per hour depending on location and demand. Premium venues in major cities may charge even more during peak periods.
A court that achieves an average of six booked hours per day at £40 per hour could generate around £87,600 in annual revenue before operating costs. Some operators report significantly higher utilisation rates, particularly for indoor facilities where play is possible throughout the year.
With occupancy rates often exceeding 70% at successful indoor venues, some courts can generate well over £100,000 per year in revenue.
While maintenance, staffing, utilities and rent must be considered, many operators aim to recover their initial investment within one to three years depending on demand and operating costs.
Is Building a Padel Court Worth It?
The popularity of padel continues to grow at an impressive rate across the UK.
According to recent participation data, around 860,000 people played padel during 2025, compared with approximately 400,000 the previous year. At the same time, the number of courts has more than doubled as operators rush to meet demand.
For sports clubs, leisure operators and investors with access to suitable land, a padel court can be a valuable long-term asset. Although construction costs are substantial, strong demand, relatively low maintenance requirements and high court utilisation rates mean many facilities are achieving attractive returns.
As the sport continues to expand throughout the UK, demand for new courts is expected to remain strong for years to come.