Plans submitted for Burnley’s first indoor padel club on former Boohoo site

Plans have been submitted to develop Burnley’s first indoor padel club at the former Boohoo distribution site.

Submitted by the owners of Pendle Padel Club, which opened on the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in August last year, the proposed development would feature eight doubles courts and one single court, creating a high-quality, accessible venue for one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. 

If approved, the scheme is also expected to create around 20 new jobs, contributing to local economic growth while repurposing a large, currently underutilised commercial space.

The plans come at a pivotal moment for Burnley, following the closure of the town’s major Boohoo (now Debenhams Group) distribution centre, on the Heasandford Industrial Estate.

The new padel club aims to play a key role in bringing energy, footfall, and opportunity back into a prominent employment site, while introducing a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity across the UK.

Building on the proven success of Pendle Padel Club, which has established a strong reputation for its welcoming, inclusive and community-led atmosphere, the Burnley facility will follow a similar ethos, designed to be accessible to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Charlie McDermott, spokesperson for the project, said: “Submitting these plans is a really exciting step, not just for padel, but for Burnley as a whole. We have a unique opportunity to bring a vacant space back to life in a way that benefits the community, creates jobs, and introduces a sport that is incredibly social, inclusive and easy to pick up.

“At the heart of this is inclusiveness. We want to create a space where everyone feels welcome, whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or you’re a regular player. 

“A great example of that is what we’re doing this Easter at Pendle Padel Club, offering half-price courts for families to encourage parents and children to play together, stay active, and spend quality time together. That’s exactly the kind of environment we want to bring to Burnley.”

If approved, the development will position Burnley at the forefront of the UK’s growing padel movement, while supporting wider efforts to revitalise the local economy and reimagine former industrial spaces for modern community use.