Key Takeaways
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Floating padel courts are coming to Vibora Liverpool Waters this autumn
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Two courts, a clubhouse, retail outlets and F&B facilities are planned for phase one
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Gareth Evans, Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and Clare Hughes are the founders
An innovative venue for sport
Great Britain’s first floating padel venue is taking shape at Princes Dock, where work on Vibora Liverpool Waters is now under way. The waterfront project will feature several floating courts and a clubhouse, creating a different setting in which players and spectators can enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.
The founders’ plans
Entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and Clare Hughes are developing the project with Gareth Evans, a prominent expert in padel court construction. They intend to bring community, business, wellness and hospitality together around sport. “From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a place people genuinely want to spend time in,” said Lauren Fenton.
A development in stages
Scheduled to open in September, the initial phase will provide two floating padel courts alongside retail and food and drink facilities. Players will be offered pay-and-play access, while corporate membership and private-hire options will also be available. Later in the year, the site will gain a third court and an expanded clubhouse, conceived as a place to network, meet socially and take in views across the waterfront.
Wellness and community activities
Community gatherings and wellness activities will complement the padel action at Vibora Liverpool Waters, allowing the venue to cater for visitors, companies and groups in different ways. As Gareth Evans explained: “Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we wanted to match that energy with a destination that feels equally exciting and ambitious.”
Growing beyond the venue
A lifestyle clothing range drawing inspiration from padel’s culture and community will also be introduced as part of the project. Vibora will further strengthen Liverpool Waters’ standing as a vibrant waterfront location, which already includes hotels, leisure destinations and residential accommodation.
Working with Peel Waters
Highlighting the partnership behind the project, Peel Waters Managing Director James Whittaker said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting the Vibora team in bringing Great Britain’s first floating padel destination to Liverpool Waters. This innovative concept will add another distinctive attraction to Princes Dock.”
