Plans have been submitted for three padel courts in Stockport town centre. 

The courts total 1,500 sq m, and would be built at Stockport Exchange - the town centre's business hub. 

Padel is a hybrid of tennis and squash - opponents face each other over a net, but the ball can be bounced off the walls. 

The proposed venue would be located three minutes' walk from Stockport Railway Station, and would have the potential to serve thousands of customers. 

The plans have been submitted by Social Sports Society, a sports venue provider. The aim is to "encourage people to get fit and healthy, meet new people and have fun in the process".

Padel has had an 'exponential' growth in popularity in recent years, with an estimated 25 million players worldwide (Image - Sergio Contreras / Unsplash)

It comes not long after Social Sports Society launched a similar Padel Venue in Wembley, North London. 

The site plans, which include a new reception area, have been designed by Manchester-based architecture firm IF_DO and JMS Planning is submitting the application on the company's behalf.

Rachel Tan, a director at Social Sport Society, said: "We are thrilled to be launching our first Community Partnership Initiative with Stockport Council and Muse. 

"Our mission is to empower individuals from all backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing through the power of social sports. We're so pleased that Stockport and Muse share this vision."

Stockport Exchange is the town centre's business hub, just outside the railway station (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: "This will be a fantastic resource in the heart of the town centre and I'm delighted that this space is being put to such good use while we plan the next phases of Stockport Exchange.

"Stockport Exchange is home to a diverse range of businesses and I'm sure this latest addition will prove to be really popular with both residents and workers."

Ella Woodward, development manager at Muse, said: "Having the opportunity to bring an offering like this to Stockport is fantastic for the area. 

"Muse is deeply embedded in the town and through our work on Stockport Exchange and Stockport 8, we've spoken to lots of local people and businesses. 

"The feedback we receive often focuses around the importance of wellbeing and community, so we believe that a new padel venue will be very well received."

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