Agenda item

To receive a report from the Leisure Services Manager on the proposal to convert existing tennis courts at Active Tiverton and Active Crediton into padel and pickleball facilities, working in partnership with a third-party operator under a lease.

The Cabinet had before it a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) on the Padel Business Case.

RESOLVED that Cabinet APPROVED:

1. All three tennis courts at Active Tiverton be converted to Padel courts.
2. One tennis court at Active Crediton be converted to one Padel court and one Pickleball court.
3. The relocation of the tennis courts to Amory Park.
4. To finalise any due diligence/obtaining of references deemed necessary before the legal agreement was finalised.
5. That Delegated Authority be granted to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) officer and Director of Legal, People and Governance (Monitoring Officer) to sign and approve the legal agreement.

Note: *Report previously circulated

The Cabinet had before it a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) on the infrastructure list inviting Cabinet to approve the updated Infrastructure List for publication on the Council’s website as part of the Statutory Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement.

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:

• The Council had an opportunity to transform their leisure offer by introducing one of the fastest growing sports in Europe - Padel alongside Pickleball. This proposal converted underused tennis courts at Active Tiverton and Active Crediton into modern, inclusive facilities, while relocating and improving tennis provision at Amory Park.
• The project would rejuvenate disused land, create a vibrant multi-sport hub, and deliver significant social and financial benefits.
• Padel was a sociable, accessible sport attracting players of all ages and abilities. Its rapid growth in the UK and global popularity make it a compelling addition to the health and wellbeing offer, encouraging active lifestyles and community engagement. By partnering with a third party operator under a full repairing and insuring lease, the Council would secure guaranteed income, avoiding resurfacing costs, and reducing reliance on subsidy which supported long-term financial sustainability.
• Amory Park’s regeneration would breathe life into an under-utilised site, creating a high-quality tennis facility and unlocking potential for additional revenue streams. This investment aligned with the Corporate Plan objectives of promoting innovation, improving community wellbeing, and maximising returns from Council assets. It also mitigated risks associated with maintaining low-use tennis courts, while positioning Mid Devon as a leader in modern leisure provision.
• The Council had held constructive and positive discussions with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and representatives from the two local tennis clubs regarding this proposal. Both parties had expressed support for the project, recognising the potential to broaden participation and enhance the overall offer for racquet sports in the area.  The Leisure Service would work closely with them to ensure the best outcome for all.
• This proposal delivered a win-win situation: a broader, more inclusive sporting offer, revitalised public spaces, and a stronger financial footing for the Council’s Leisure Service.

Discussion took place with regards to:

• Whether there had been any reputational risks if the operator’s performance had fallen below expectations. It was explained that there had always been some risk when working with a third party operator. However, officers reported that a strong working relationship had been established and that due diligence had been carried out.
• The project had not been presented the Service Delivery & Continuous Improvement Policy Development Group before reaching Cabinet. Given its scale, capital implications, long?term disposal and lease arrangements the Chair of the Group expressed his disappointment It was explained that the report had been brought directly to Cabinet due to time pressures.
• Clarification of whether £300,000 in capital investment for Amory Park had been included in the approved budget. It confirmed that the 2026/27 draft budget had included a capital sum for the Amory Park project and the indicative capital programme for future years had been shared with Cabinet in November and would be further refined before returning to Cabinet in February 2026.
• A Cullompton Member highlighted that the proposal represented a major investment in Tiverton’s leisure facilities and associated public realm improvements, and requested clarity on what equivalent, Council funded leisure investment was planned for Cullomptonexcluding speculative developments, developer contributions or relocating pitches outside the town.  
• Whether any formal or informal discussions had taken place with Tiverton Town Council regarding a future transfer of Amory Park or the new facilities.
• Had there been any discussions with Tiverton Town Council regarding the asset transfers? It was explained that these were the three largest Town Councils.

RESOLVED that Cabinet APPROVED:

1. All three tennis courts at Active Tiverton be converted to Padel courts.
2. One tennis court at Active Crediton be converted to one Padel court and one Pickleball court.
3. The relocation of the tennis courts to Amory Park.
4. To finalise any due diligence/obtaining of references deemed necessary before the legal agreement was finalised.
5. That Delegated Authority be granted to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) officer and Director of Legal, People and Governance (Monitoring Officer) to sign and approve the legal agreement.

(Proposed by Cllr J Wright and seconded by Cllr M Fletcher)

Reason for decision:

The full up-front costs of court conversion would be met by the lessee, with the annual lease being agreed as part of the proposal that would see a significant revenue amount being returned to the Council each year.

Creating padel courts in Mid Devon could align strongly with several themes and objectives in the Council’s Corporate Plan 2024–2028, particularly around innovation, economic growth, community wellbeing, and sustainable development.

Note: *Report previously circulated