NAPTON PADEL PROJECT UPDATE 

April Update part 2

Here’s our latest update:
 
Court Construction
With our contractor, OnPoint Ltd, now appointed, we are in a strong position and ready to commence construction as soon as the necessary permissions are in place.
 
Licencing Update
Napton Parish Council (NPC) has advised us they are not yet in a position to grant us a licence. We understand that NPC initiated work on a licence or sub-lease with both its own solicitors and the Diocese’s solicitors in January 2026, and that this process remains ongoing.
 
NPC has asked the Padel Club to contribute towards legal costs. We are supportive of this in principle, particularly if it helps to quickly progress matters. We have asked for some additional clarity on the work undertaken to date and the steps still required to reach a conclusion.
 
We recognise that this is a complex process involving multiple parties. However, the continued delay is a significant risk for both the Padel Club and our appointed contractor, particularly as costs and timescales may be affected. We therefore remain keen to work collaboratively with NPC to help move matters forward as efficiently as possible.
 
Benefits of Padel Courts in Napton
Whilst we are waiting for the granting of the licence, we continue thinking about the benefits of bringing padel to the village. Beyond creating a high-quality facility for local people to enjoy, the project offers meaningful long-term benefits for the wider community.
 
Our long-term aim is to have two padel courts. Once construction costs and loans have been repaid, this has the potential to generate significant, recurring annual financial surpluses.
 
As a registered not-for-profit charity, Napton Padel Club is committed to reinvesting all surplus income locally, supporting a wide range of community facilities and initiatives, such as:
  • Subsidising Padel membership and court fees for local residents
  • The existing sports field, pitches, courts, clubhouse, and associated facilities
  • Supporting activities at the Village Hall
  • Contributions to support recreational activities in St Lawrence Church
  • Investment in sports at local schools
  • Help maintain footpaths, bridleways, and cycle routes
  • Funding other local sports, leisure, and recreational activities, including basketball and existing tennis, netball, football, and cricket clubs
  • Contributions to the Parish Council to support activities more widely in the community
 
The Padel Club has the potential to provide a significant and sustainable source of funding that could benefit the whole village for many years to come. We remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders to start construction as soon as possible.
Thank you to everyone, including our sponsor RMF Raised Flooring, who has supported the project so far.