Padel courts planned for Lancing leisure centre
Plans to replace an astroturf pitch at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre with three new padel courts have been submitted to Adur District Council.
Padel is fast-growing sport that combines elements of squash and tennis. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has endorsed the proposal and said there was a gap in padel provision locally, with no facilities in the Lancing and Sompting area. The LTA’s padel strategy aims to increase access to and participation in the sport by 2029.
The site is owned by Adur District Council and is operated by South Downs Leisure, which made the application. f approved, the three new courts would be built on the northern most astroturf pitch, with floodlighting. The courts would be positioned parallel to one another and designed to meet requirements for beginner players.
The courts would have hard surfacing, with walls made of tempered glass and metal mesh. Plans also include a walkway between courts allowing for wheelchair accessibility.
Currently, the nearest padel courts in the local area are over five miles away, of which the majority sit inside private members clubs, so are not open to the wider public.
The applicant acknowledges that the proposal would mean the loss of an existing sport facility, but argues that it would address the identified need for padel.
They added that there are already a range of football pitches in the surrounding area and the proposed plans would not prejudice the ability for football to be played in Lancing.
The current deadline for a decision is November 12, 2026.