NAPTON PADEL PROJECT UPDATE 

January Update 2

Project Update

Since our last newsletter, good progress has continued, although we have encountered a delay relating to the operating licence.

Operating Licence

This is required for Napton Padel Club to build and operate the padel courts at Napton Sports Field. Obtaining it is more complicated than anticipated. The sports field is leased by Napton Parish Council (NPC) from the Church of England Coventry Diocese. So, approval from both parties is therefore required before a licence can be provided.
Napton Parish Council has already agreed in principle to grant Napton Padel Club a licence to build and operate two padel courts but the Coventry Diocese has yet to give its agreement. Discussions are ongoing between NPC and the Diocese to agree the precise form of licence that is acceptable to all parties. While these steps are taking longer than expected, we are very pleased to say that the Parish Council is actively working to move matters forward.
Unfortunately, until the licence is formally in place, Napton Padel Club will be unable to begin construction.

Court Construction Programme

Work has continued behind the scenes to strengthen the construction specifications and refine the contractor selection process. We remain on track to provide Stratford District Council’s Planning Department with the additional information they requested.
Three contractors have now been shortlisted, and meetings are being scheduled with a view to appointing a preferred contractor. Any contract award will, of course, be subject to the operating licence being granted.

Finance

As reported in our last newsletter, we currently have sufficient funding in place to construct one padel court. We still hope to apply for a grant by the closing date of 31st January and, if successful, this will enable us to build the second court at the same time.
However, the grant provider requires an operating licence to be in place before an application can be submitted. The Parish Council and the Diocese are aware of the deadline. If the deadline passes without the licence, we will still be working towards constructing the one court in the next few weeks.

Charity Status

Napton Padel Club is now a registered charity. The trustees are:
  •  Andrew Riley – Chair
  •  Tim Coker – Treasurer
  •  Tom Williams – Trustee
  •  Beth Hanna – Trustee
What to Expect Over the Coming Weeks
  •  Further surveying of the proposed padel court area
  •  Appointment of a preferred contractor (subject to licence approval)
  •  Announcement of a planned open day, where you will be able to:
    • View the court plans
    • Learn how to play padel
    • Talk to the team about how the club and facilities will operate