BREAKING LIVE: Ipswich Sports Club Unveils £340,000 Investment to Build Four New Padel Courts — Transforming the Local Sports Scene. Location date and time Revealed…
Ipswich, Suffolk – October 2025 — Ipswich Sports Club has officially announced a major new £340,000 investment to build four state-of-the-art padel courts, marking one of the most significant expansions in its long history. The development will include three covered panoramic courts and one outdoor court, offering year-round play for members and the wider community.
This ambitious project reflects both the explosive rise of padel across the UK and Ipswich Sports Club’s ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusion in local sport.
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Bringing World-Class Facilities to Ipswich
Work on the new padel complex is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with completion expected by spring 2026 at the club’s Tuddenham Road site. Once finished, it will become East Anglia’s largest covered padel venue, putting Ipswich firmly on the map as a regional hub for the fast-growing sport.
During construction, the club’s existing temporary pop-up padel court — which has attracted huge interest since its launch — will remain operational at an alternate location to ensure minimal disruption for players.
Leaders Excited for a New Era
Club Chair Alison Hosford said the investment represents a major step forward in the club’s development:
> “Padel is the fastest-growing sport in Europe and is rapidly gaining momentum across the UK. Its accessibility and social nature make it perfect for all ages and skill levels. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this exciting movement in Ipswich.”
Club Secretary Jon Tuppen, who is overseeing the project, added:
> “This investment is not just about new courts — it’s about creating opportunities. We want to make padel available to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned racket player or completely new to the game. The response from our community has been phenomenal, and these new facilities will take that enthusiasm to the next level.”
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A Response to Soaring Demand
Padel has exploded in popularity across the UK. According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), more than 400,000 adults and juniors now play padel, compared to just 15,000 in 2019. Participation doubled again between 2022 and 2024, and there are now nearly 900 courts at 300 venues nationwide.
Ipswich Sports Club’s move taps into this momentum. The club’s single outdoor court — introduced as a pilot — has seen consistent use since opening, often booked out during peak times. The new complex will meet the growing demand while attracting fresh players to the sport.
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Community Access and Opportunities
True to the club’s inclusive ethos, the new padel courts will be open to both members and non-members, with affordable booking options to encourage widespread participation. The club also plans to introduce coaching sessions, social leagues, and community tournaments once the facility opens.
In addition, the club expects to collaborate with local schools, businesses, and sports groups to help introduce more people to padel — fostering community spirit and healthier lifestyles through accessible sport.
> “Our mission has always been to bring people together through sport,” said Hosford. “Padel is perfect for that — it’s fun, it’s fast, and it gets everyone involved. This investment is really about the community as much as the club.”
Strategic Investment for the Future
The £340,000 expansion has been carefully planned as part of the club’s long-term growth strategy. It supports the club’s goal of staying financially sustainable while evolving to meet modern sporting interests.
Ipswich Sports Club — a Community Amateur Sports Club with over 150 years of history — already offers facilities for tennis, squash, hockey, and gym training. The addition of these padel courts represents the most significant upgrade in years and is expected to strengthen membership retention, boost visitor numbers, and attract sponsorship opportunities.
> “We’re not just investing in courts,” added Tuppen. “We’re investing in the next generation of players and in the future of Ipswich sport.”
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A Boost for Suffolk Sport
The expansion is also a win for the wider Suffolk community. The club’s new facilities are expected to draw visitors from across East Anglia, increasing local economic activity while providing new recreation options for residents.
Sport Suffolk has praised Ipswich Sports Club’s initiative as a model for community-led sports development, highlighting how such investments contribute to the county’s broader health and wellbeing objectives.
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About Ipswich Sports Club
Founded in the late 19th century, Ipswich Sports Club has been at the heart of the town’s sporting community for over 150 years. The club operates as a not-for-profit community organisation, offering top-class facilities, coaching, and social opportunities across multiple sports disciplines.
From national-level competitions to grassroots training, the club continues to grow while staying true to its mission: promoting an active, connected, and healthy Ipswich.
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What’s Next
Construction is due to start later this year once final planning approvals are confirmed by Ipswich Borough Council. The full project — including installation, landscaping, and lighting — is expected to finish in early 2026.
When complete, Ipswich Sports Club’s padel expansion will stand as a landmark development for Suffolk sport, combining tradition with innovation and offering a vibrant, inclusive space for the community to enjoy for years to come.
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