Padel courts essential to future of golf club, planners told
A NEW development of padel courts - for the increasingly popular game - could form the next stage of redevelopment at Grange Park Golf Club in Kimberworth.
Plans have already been submitted for widespread improvements, which would include upgrading the club house, creating new Air B n B accommodation for those attending events at the Upper Wortley Road site, and other general improvements to the grounds.
The objective is, planners have been told, to help secure the future of the business through diversification, though it is also planned to boost numbers of golfers.
Now a fresh application has been submitted by Top Play, the business behind the club, for three new padel courts.
Documents submitted to Rotherham Council say the proposals have already been discussed with planners “who have been supportive with the proposals”.
“We see this development of the padel courts as essential to bring visitor numbers back to the site who will be serviced by the newly refurbished hospitality and reception facilities on site.
“Padel is the the fastest growing sport in the world and is underrepresented within South Yorkshire, and bringing this popular sport to the area would be a major development in fitness and health in the region.”
The application states the courts would create “the first padel location in Rotherham”.
Work would include installing lighting and creating soft landscaping, but parking would be provided from the existing bays.
Grange Park started life as a municipal golf course in 1970 but it was closed by Rotherham Council around the turn of the century, due to financial losses.
It has been operated privately since then.