Fire-hit trampoline park could become padel centre

A fire-damaged former trampoline centre in Leeds could be knocked down to make way for a padel centre.

Planning permission is being sought to redevelop the former Jump Arena site in Burley into a facility for the racket sport.

Five indoor and a further five outdoor courts would be created at the Redcote Lane site, which has been vacant since 2020.

A design report by Brodie Planning Associates said the development would "revitalise an underused site, improve the visual appearance of the area and contribute positively to the ongoing regeneration of the locality".

The building and wider site had "fallen into a state of disrepair", according to the firm.

They said nine jobs would be created if Leeds City Council gave the scheme the green light.

The development includes 81 parking bays for padel players, along with 44 cycle spaces.

Padel court bookings at the new centre would be taken online on a pay-as-you-go basis, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

The report said: "There will be wheelchair-suitable courts with wider gates, ramped access and more durable surfaces. "

Low-cost equipment hire would be offered at the centre, which would have capacity for classes of schoolchildren to play.

Three of the outdoor courts would also be covered.

The design report added: "The facility will be affordable, inclusive and accessible, supporting the council's health and well-being objectives and encouraging active participation across the community.

The fast-growing racket sport combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played mainly in doubles on a smaller enclosed court.

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