Liverpool Waters is poised to become a new sporting destination with the introduction of the UK's reportedly first 'floating' padel tennis courts, alongside a Scandinavian-style clubhouse and a social deck.

The proposed project, which aims to place Liverpool alongside cities such as Dubai and Helsinki, will see plans submitted to Liverpool City Council this week, with a decision anticipated in early 2025 and a potential opening in mid-2025.

Peel Waters, which engages in waterfront regeneration projects, has formed a partnership with international companies to bring this concept to life.

The team includes Ville Leisti, Finnish founder and CEO of Floating Padel, and Tytti Sirola, CEO of Bluet Floating Solutions, which specialises in floating construction.

They are joined by Gareth Evans, MD, as well as Padel Ventures, a complete turnkey solutions provider, and Paul Danson, founder of Imagineering Global, an architectural design company.

Padel is a racquet sport that merges elements of tennis and squash. It is played mainly in doubles, and its smaller courts and faster games make it accessible to a range of ages and skill levels.

The UK currently boasts more than 700 padel courts, but the proposed floating facility at Liverpool Waters will seemingly be a first for the country, offering a waterside sporting experience.

The facility, set within Princes Dock, will feature three floating padel courts constructed on a special platform from Finland, with the courts manufactured in Spain.

Additionally, a retail store within the aforementioned clubhouse will sell sporting essentials. Bluet Floating Solutions will design and build the floating infrastructure under the clubhouse.

Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker said: “We are really pleased to be bringing the UK’s first floating padel courts to Liverpool Waters.

"This floating concept demonstrates the open approach we have at Peel Waters to welcoming innovative, new ideas and collaborating with forward-thinking businesses to use our portfolio as a testbed for unique, UK-first activations on water and the surrounding land.”