Key Takeaways
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Padel Nova launches three panoramic indoor courts in West Swindon
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UK padel participation surges from 15,000 in 2019 to more than one million in 2026
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Owners put accessibility, community, and social connection at the heart of the club
Warehouse converted into new sports club
Business owners Nilesh Chavda and Chris Pomphrey identified a chance to give unused space a new purpose. They converted a former West Swindon food warehouse into Padel Nova, a premium indoor club with three panoramic padel courts, a cafe and bar, social spaces, and games facilities. “We’ve always had a bit of extra space that we felt we could use better… padel seemed to be something that everywhere we looked was getting more and more popular,” explained Chavda.
A vision built around community
The sport’s sharp rise in popularity prompted the decision, according to Pomphrey. “I wanted to open a padel club as at the time there was not another padel facility in Swindon,” he said, explaining that the team sought to move before rival operators arrived. Community and social interaction were central to the venue’s design. “We wanted to create a space that gives that sort of community feel… come off court, you can have a coffee, have a beer,” said Chavda.
Creating an accessible and inclusive club
By providing memberships alongside pay-and-play access, Padel Nova hopes to welcome people from a broad range of backgrounds. Pomphrey underlined that inclusive approach: “We’re very passionate about junior coaching and ladies’ coaching… hence our strapline, Play, Connect, Belong,” he said. Club manager Dave Morris also pointed to the venue’s accessibility for newcomers and wheelchair users. “Padel is one of those sports, if you’ve never played it before, you can easily jump onto a court… we’ve got wheelchair accessible courts here,” explained Morris.
Padel’s nationwide expansion
Britain now has 1,825 padel courts spread across 551 venues, underlining the sport’s swift nationwide expansion. Lawn Tennis Association figures also show participation climbing from 15,000 players in 2019 to over one million in 2026.
Heidi Alexander reacts to the venue
After visiting Padel Nova, South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander applauded the building’s transformation. “I just think it’s such a brilliant facility… it used to be an old warehouse, and you walk in and it just is fantastic here,” she said. With working habits changing, Alexander also highlighted the value of bringing physical activity and social interaction together. “As people are working from home a bit more, perhaps people want to get out, see some other people, do a little bit of exercise. I just think it’s great for Swindon,” she added.
Bringing sport and social activity together
By combining padel with community and leisure facilities, Padel Nova mirrors the sport’s broader attraction across Britain. The club intends to draw participants of every age and background through coaching, social sessions, and accessible amenities, placing Swindon at the center of the UK’s padel surge.
