Porthcawl Padel has transformed underused tennis courts in a prime seafront location into a new outdoor padel facility following a £60,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales.
The business - led by directors Elliott Jones, Conor Rees, Bejamin Thomas and Daniel Thomas - has opened two premium outdoor courts at Griffin Park, bringing one of the UK’s fastest-growing racket sports to the area for the first time. The project repurposes unused space within the Griffin Park complex, creating a new leisure offer for both residents and visitors.
The £60,000 loan from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, matched by a further £60,000 investment from the directors, has funded groundworks, fencing, lighting for two premium panoramic padel courts, along with the installation of specialist protective glass.
Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, is typically played in doubles on enclosed courts where walls form part of the game. The Porthcawl facility has been designed for year-round outdoor use, with high-specification courts built to withstand coastal conditions and deliver a consistent playing experience. The site operates seven days a week and is fully managed through a digital booking platform, allowing players to access the courts via secure entry systems. The courts are now offering introductory sessions for male and female players, and the business is also due to host games for local schools.
Elliott Jones, director of Porthcawl Padel, said: “Padel is something we’ve enjoyed playing in Cardiff and Swansea, and we saw a real opportunity to bring it to Porthcawl. The location is ideal, and transforming what was an underused site into a high-quality facility has been an exciting project for us.
“The support from the Development Bank of Wales has been key in helping us deliver the courts to the standard we wanted. We’ve invested heavily ourselves because we believe in the long-term potential of the sport here, both for local players and the wider tourism offer.”
Jessica White, Senior Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Porthcawl Padel is a strong example of how investment can bring new life to existing spaces while supporting growing trends in sport and wellbeing.
“The team identified a clear gap in the local market and have combined their own experience of the sport with significant personal investment. We’re pleased to support a project that not only enhances the local leisure offer but also contributes to the wider appeal of Porthcawl as a destination.”
Financed by Welsh Government, the £500 million Wales Flexible Investment Fund supports Welsh businesses with terms of up to 15 years. Loans, mezzanine finance, and equity investments are available from £25,000 to £10 million.
