Arena Padel has announced plans for a major new development at Gowran Park in County Kilkenny, with a state-of-the-art, 22,000 sq. ft indoor padel facility set to be built on the grounds of the iconic racecourse and golf club.
The project will feature five indoor padel courts, alongside additional facilities including a sauna, ice bath, changing rooms, and an indoor golf simulator. Planning permission has been submitted to Kilkenny County Council.
This is the second high-profile Arena Padel project to be unveiled in recent weeks, following the confirmation of a flagship venue at Goffs in County Kildare, which is due to open next year.
Arena Padel was founded by former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given and brothers Declan and Stuart Fagan. For Given, the sport has become an important part of life since he retired from professional football.
“Since retiring, I have found padel to be a brilliant way to keep fit and stay competitive,” he said. “It’s the fastest growing sport in the world and can be played by all ages and skill levels. We were delighted to get such a positive reaction from releasing our plans for Goffs, and we’re looking forward to working with people in the Kilkenny and Carlow areas on our Gowran Park project.”
The enthusiasm is shared by co-founder Declan Fagan, who has been central to shaping Arena Padel’s vision.
“We’re delighted to work with Eddie Scally and all his team in Gowran Park. The venue is iconic in the south-east of the country and is known throughout Ireland.”
“Arena Padel was created to make padel tennis accessible to the public by creating modern venues around the country, and we can’t wait to welcome players from Kilkenny, Carlow and further afield, next year.”
“We are delighted to be joining forces with Arena Padel to bring a state-of-the-art complex to our region,” said Gowran Park General Manager Eddie Scally.
“This is another exciting step for Gowran Park, and we feel the padel centre will really add to our race and golf courses.”
Padel continues its rapid rise in Ireland, New courts are being laid at Westwood on the Leopardstown racecourse campus, and more are planned beside the golf centre at the South Dublin racecourse as well.
The first Irish Open Padel tournament, on the European Tour, will take place in Limerick in November.
Image Credit: Arena Padel
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