‘Exciting times’ for UK padel as Dwellcourt backs Hampshire’s PadelStars

PadelStars, which runs tennis and padel centres across the South, has secured investment from Epsom-based golf and leisure operator Dwellcourt Group.

Dwellcourt has now taken a ‘significant stake’ in the Hampshire company, which recently opened its first padel facility in Reading.

It also has plans for further centres in Southampton, Bracknell, St Albans, Bournemouth, Folkestone, Basildon and Chigwell.

A racket sport similar to tennis though played on an enclosed court, padel is quickly gaining in popularity throughout the UK.

Brighton & Hove Council just recently announced it would be adding tennis and padel facilities to the new Hove Beach Park development in East Sussex.

Andy Knee, co-founder and CEO of PadelStars, said: “We’ve met several times with Jeff, Steve and Terry at Dwellcourt over the past year and discussed multiple opportunities.

“This has resulted in us gaining an understanding of how they have built such an impressive business, and we’ve enjoyed getting to know them as people.

“It’s a great match. We’re very excited about what their investment and expertise will bring to the PadelStars business.”

Dwellcourt is best known for operating Silvermere Golf & Leisure complex and Kingswood Golf and Country Club.

The business has expertise in facility utilisation, retail, catering, and private and corporate events.

PadelStars says Dwellcourt’s investment and support will help accelerate its ambitious site development pipeline.

Jeff Hilliard, chair of Dwellcourt Group, said: “Having had several approaches by padel operators hoping to build courts on our sites, Andy and Jamie stood apart for their vision, dynamism and professionalism.

“With a pipeline of strong new sites being secured, we’ve decided to once again back impressive people and see how we might offer our operational experience as well as our investment to help them scale their business.

“These are exciting times for padel, and we’re excited to be a part of the PadelStars journey.”