Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller and mayor Sean McHale declared the new four-court covered padel facility open at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club during a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Joined by Mayoress Michaela McHale and key local civic figures including Chichester District Council Chair Clare Apel, representatives from local charities, club officials and project contractors gathered to mark the completion of an ambitious £772,000 member-funded expansion.

The ceremony paves the way for a free community open day this Saturday, welcoming local people to experience the new facilities.

Construction on the all-weather venue began in July, featuring high-specification covered courts engineered by Spanish padel specialists Manza Sport and installed by specialist contractors Trevor May and Fordingbridge.

Chichester Mayor Councillor Sean McHale, left, MP Jess Brown-Fuller and club chairman James Humphrys.open the new Chichester padel pavilion | Picture by David Kislingbury

placeholder image — Chichester Mayor Councillor Sean McHale, left, MP Jess Brown-Fuller and club chairman James Humphrys.open the new Chichester padel pavilion | Picture by David Kislingbury

The protective canopy guarantees year-round play for all skill levels, from beginners and social players to elite competitors competing in grade-one national tournaments.

The entire project was accomplished through debentures and long-term membership contributions pledged by almost 100 members. The innovative financial structure was designed by former club director and finance officer John Love.

Terri Wheeler, Club Manager at CRAFC, said: "Having our local MP and mayor and community partners join us to cut the ribbon was a fantastic way to celebrate this milestone. What makes this project truly unique is that our members funded it entirely themselves. Their support has been extraordinary, and we are eager to welcome both existing members and new players to sample the sport."

James Humphrys, club chairman, added: "This ribbon-cutting marks the culmination of a fantastic collective effort. Investing together means we can all benefit together, bringing a top-tier padel offering to Chichester while reinforcing our long-term commitment to high-quality tennis, squash, racketball, and fitness facilities."

Action at the padel courts' opening | Picture by David Kislingbury

The courts are now live for bookings by members and the general public on a pay and play basis. Members enjoy the added benefit of a 14-day advance booking window, compared to a seven-day window for non-members.

Chichester’s V2 Radio will broadcast live from the club on Friday, providing a preview of the new venue.

The free community open day takes place on Saturday from 9am to 4pm. The club will offer complimentary taster sessions across padel, tennis, squash and racketball, featuring junior coaching clinics, family mix-ins and free recreational play for visitors of all ages.