Construction work has started on a new sports venue next to Notts County's Meadow Lane stadium. Work has started to turn vacant land facing onto Cattle Market Road and Iremonger Road into four padel courts.
Padel, which can be described as a mix between tennis and squash, is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, according to Notts County. The rules are broadly the same as tennis, although you serve underhand and walls are used as part of the game with the ball allowed to bounce off them.
The combination of glass and weldmesh rebound wall and fence panels will be supported by steel posts fixed to a concrete foundation with a synthetic turf play surface, with these posts also floodlighting the playing area. Notts County fans and local residents have previously spoken of their excitement over the transformation of the patch of land.
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The existing vacant stretch of land will also be used to create 50 parking spaces and new charging points for electric vehicles. Car access to the car park will be via a modified existing gateway from Iremonger Road along with a new pedestrian access being incorporated into the site.
There will be toilets and vending machines as part of the courts. The facility, which has been called Nottingham Padel Centre, will be operated by the club and is expected to open later this summer.
A statement from Notts County's board of directors said: “We’re delighted that work has commenced on a project which will drive new revenue for the club and enhance Nottingham’s reputation as an incredible city of sport. We’re confident the facility will attract people from across the East Midlands and we’re looking forward to seeing the courts in action.”
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