WORK BEGINS ON GREAT BRITAIN’S FIRST FLOATING PADEL DESTINATION AT LIVERPOOL WATERS

Construction has officially begun on Vibora Liverpool Waters, a landmark new destination at Liverpool Waters that will become Great Britain’s first floating padel destination when it opens this autumn.

While floating courts have appeared elsewhere in Europe, Vibora Liverpool Waters will be the first destination of its kind anywhere in Great Britain, giving players the chance to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing sports from a completely new perspective.

Located within the Princes Dock neighbourhood at Liverpool Waters, the destination will combine multiple floating padel courts with a waterfront clubhouse, creating a setting where the experience extends well beyond the game itself.

Players will step onto courts surrounded by water, with Liverpool’s iconic skyline providing the backdrop to every match. Once the game is over, players can head to the clubhouse to enjoy drinks, socialise and take in the views, while the waterfront setting will also allow visitors to soak up the atmosphere even if they aren’t playing.

The floating padel destination will be delivered in two phases.

Working closely with waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters, the unique, floating leisure development has been founded by Gareth Evans, one of the UK’s leading specialists in padel court construction and sport innovation, alongside entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and Huyton-born businesswoman Clare Hughes. Together, the founders share a vision of creating a destination that brings together sport, hospitality, wellness, business and community, offering a different kind of experience to a traditional padel club.

The floating padel destination will be delivered in two phases. The first phase of the development will open in September and will comprise of two floating padel courts, an F&B offering and retail space. Pay-and- play options, corporate memberships and private hire of the courts will be available.

The third floating court and club-house extension will follow later this year. The clubhouse will form a central part of the experience, with a selection of wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks available before and after matches, as well as providing a space for networking, socialising and watching the action from the waterfront.

Alongside traditional padel games will be a full programme of community and wellness events, creating a flexible destination for players, businesses, groups and visitors to Liverpool. With its combination of sport, hospitality and location, Vibora Liverpool Waters has been designed to appeal beyond regular padel players, creating a destination where people can spend time before and after their game or simply visit to enjoy the atmosphere overlooking the city’s historic docks.

The development draws on Gareth’s expertise in designing and delivering padel facilities across the UK and internationally, helping establish the sport in communities around the world.

Gareth Evans, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, explained: “Seeing Vibora Liverpool Waters begin to take shape at Princes Dock is an incredibly exciting moment for everyone involved. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we wanted to match that energy with a destination that feels equally exciting and ambitious. Playing on floating courts in the heart of Liverpool Waters will be an experience unlike any other in the country.”

Lauren Fenton, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, added: “From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a place people genuinely want to spend time in. Somewhere that brings together movement, wellbeing, social connection and opportunity. Vibora is being built around community. Whether someone comes to play padel, work from the clubhouse, network, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we want them to feel part of something special.”

This innovative concept will add another distinctive attraction to Princes Dock

Extending the brand beyond the courts, Vibora Liverpool Waters will also launch a lifestyle apparel collection inspired by the culture and community surrounding the sport. Liverpool Waters has become one of the UK’s most exciting waterfront destinations, with Princes Dock home to thousands of residents and workers, leading hotels, the Cruise Liverpool terminal and a growing mix of leisure and wellness attractions. The success of neighbouring Wyld Sauna, the UK’s first public floating sauna, has highlighted the demand for unique experiences that make the most of the waterfront setting.

James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, added: “At Peel Waters, we’re committed to working in partnership with ambitious operators and businesses that share our vision for creating vibrant waterfront destinations, and Vibora Liverpool Waters is a fantastic example of that approach in action. We’re really pleased to be supporting the Vibora team in bringing Great Britain’s first floating padel destination to Liverpool Waters. This innovative concept will add another distinctive attraction to Princes Dock, helping to foster community, wellbeing and social connection, while further strengthening Liverpool Waters’ reputation as a dynamic place to live, work and visit.”

With construction now underway, Vibora Liverpool Waters is on course to open this autumn, bringing Britain’s first floating padel destination to Liverpool and adding another landmark attraction to the city’s internationally recognised waterfront.

Find out more about Vibora Liverpool Waters here: www.viboraliverpool.com