The transformation of a historic Grade II listed railway engine shed in Leeds is on the horizon, as plans have been revised to convert it into a state-of-the-art padel tennis centre – the new sport that is becoming ever popular across the country. The Roundhouse, a significant architectural gem erected in 1847 by Thomas Grainger, once a bustling hub for locomotives, is poised for a new lease on life.
UK Padel Club Ltd is spearheading the endeavour, aiming to outfit the site with 10 courts, five indoor and five outdoor, for enthusiasts of the sport described as a fusion of tennis and squash. This ambitious project required adjustments to the initial proposal, with half of the designated outdoor area now earmarked for the padel tennis facility.
While deliberations were underway, Leeds City Council opted to defer the decision to the chief planning officer, with conditions surrounding operational hours and noise regulation to be met. Despite concerns regarding the allocation of space, particularly given the prior designation of a portion for residential development, the council recognised the potential of this venture to invigorate the area.
With thousands of homes already in the pipeline for construction across the city centre, repurposing the Roundhouse for recreational use aligns with broader urban development strategies. Pending final approval, this metamorphosis promises to marry heritage preservation with contemporary leisure pursuits, breathing fresh vitality into a cherished landmark.
Labour member for Calverley and Farsley, Peter Carlill, said: “Should I be concerned that this would effectively take 150 houses out of that plan?”
Planning officer, Robin Coghlan said: “We have a pretty comfortable supply elsewhere at the moment.”
The proposal was welcomed by Historic England who said: “The use as a leisure facility with padel courts located around the perimeter of the interior of the building is a very interesting new use for the building. It appears it would have a minimal physical impact on the building.”
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Feature Image Credit: Photo © Stephen Craven (cc-by-sa/2.0)
