The council has welcomed a padel tennis club to Maidenhead after agreeing to the lease of an existing sports building.

Windsor and Maidenhead’s council cabinet approved in October a 20 year lease of the former Sportsable building to Berkshire Padel.

The club is expected to invest in refurbishment and improvements to the building as well as setting up padel tennis courts.

Founder and Chief Executive of Berkshire Padel Phil Basford said: "We are delighted the Cabinet has given their approval and backing for the project.

“If planning permission is granted, the facility will provide an outstanding venue for the local community as well as hosting events for the top padel players from around the world. It's an exciting prospect."

The former Sportsable building, which has been empty since 2021, is currently said to be in poor condition and in need of investment.

However, the letting is conditional on planning permission being approved for the improvement works.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure councillor Joshua Reynolds said: “It was fantastic to meet Phil at the pavilion and hear more about Berkshire Padel’s exciting plans to bring this sport to Braywick Park and our borough more widely.

“Padel tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and I’m really excited about the prospect of having this centre of excellence for the benefit of all our residents.

“This facility will be a great addition to the fantastic sports facilities that we have around the borough, and I cannot wait to see it take shape.”