Padel, a mix between tennis and squash, is usually played on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mesh.
Padel People and Exeter and Hertford College have applied to Oxford City Council to create the new facility at Oxford University’s recreation grounds in Edgeway Road in Marston.
The grounds currently have two pay-and-play football pitches which are not floodlit and tennis courts.
The plans include three outdoor padel courts, four indoor padel courts, an indoor golf simulator, two multi-use hard court areas and rugby and football pitches.
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There will also be a pavilion offering food and drink facilities. Co-founder of Padel People, George Sandbach owns The Sandy’s Group, a collection of bars in Oxfordshire, and will open a Sandy’s bar at the site.
Padel People, which already has three sites in Wimbledon, Basingstoke and Sussex, aims to open the centre by the end of the year.
Mr Sandbach said: “This Oxford facility will be a massive milestone for us. It’ll not only give the city its first premium indoor courts, but also create a vibrant hub for students and locals alike.
“We’ve been working with both the colleges over the past two years to make sure it’s sustainable, accessible and affordable for everyone.”
Mr Sandbach and co-founder James Rock have both played sports including rugby, football and tennis for Oxfordshire over the years and Mr Sandbach is captain of the Oxfordshire Padel team.
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