Greater Manchester cricket club reveals plan to build padel courts to enhance community offering

Milnrow Cricket Club already operates as a wedding venue, beer festival host in addition to providing cricket, tennis, bowling and petanque. This latest venture would see two new padel courts built at the site off Harbour Lane. 

Both padel courts would be covered by a roof so people can play all year round. In order to facilitate the new padel facility, the two tennis courts behind the sports pavilion would have to make way. The cricket pitch, petanque area, bowling green and the 5-a-side football pitch will all be retained under the plans.

Padel is a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court measuring 10 metres wide by 20 metres long, which is slightly smaller than doubles tennis court.

The court is surrounded by a combination of glass and mesh walls, which keep the ball in play and allow for rebound shots, which is one of the defining features that make the game dynamic and strategic. Milnrow Cricket Club is the latest of many sports clubs across Greater Manchester adding padel courts to their repertoire. 

Planning papers read: “Beyond cricket, Milnrow Cricket Club serves as a community hub, hosting events like beer festivals and St George’s Day celebrations, and offering its refurbished Ladyhouse Suite for weddings and functions.

“Milnrow Cricket Club, founded in 1857, has continually enhanced its facilities to serve both cricketing and community needs. In 2010, the club received a grant from the England & Wales Cricket Board to develop artificial practice areas, bolstering its coaching infrastructure.

“A significant upgrade occurred in 2020 with the refurbishment of the Ladyhouse Suite, a function room accommodating up to 150 guests, now popular for weddings and events. The clubhouse features a bar open daily, offering local ales, and hosts activities like snooker and dominoes.”