BANNATYNE Health Club & Spa Chafford Hundred has officially launched three new competition-standard covered padel courts, giving members and the wider local community the opportunity to enjoy one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

The new courts, located at the club in Chafford Hundred, Grays, feature competition-standard playing surfaces, canopies, floodlighting and dedicated parking, allowing year-round play. Available to both members and non-members, they further enhance the club's already extensive sporting and wellbeing facilities.

The investment forms part of the Bannatyne Group's nationwide programme to introduce padel courts across its UK health club estate, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, social forms of exercise.

Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel has become one of the world's fastest-growing sports thanks to its accessible, inclusive and highly sociable format. Suitable for players of all ages and abilities, it has seen rapid growth across the UK as increasing numbers of people discover the sport's unique blend of fitness, competition and fun.

The new courts complement the club's extensive facilities, which include state-of-the-art gym spaces, functional training areas, a swimming pool, a spa and a comprehensive timetable of group exercise classes.

Duncan Bannatyne, Chief Executive and Chairman of the Bannatyne Group, said: "Padel continues to grow at an incredible pace because it's a sport that genuinely appeals to everyone. It's easy to learn, highly sociable and offers a fantastic way for people to stay active, whether they're experienced racquet sport players or picking up a racket for the first time.

"The launch of our new courts at Chafford Hundred is another important step in our nationwide investment programme. We're committed to continually enhancing our clubs with facilities that reflect the way people want to exercise today, creating welcoming environments where members and the wider community can enjoy sport, fitness and wellbeing together."

Nick Jenkins, General Manager of Bannatyne Health Club & Spa Chafford Hundred, said: "We're delighted to launch our new padel courts and bring one of the country's fastest-growing sports to Chafford Hundred. We've had a fantastic response from members, and we're excited to welcome even more people from the local community to experience the courts.

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"Together with our gym, swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities, the new courts strengthen our offering and reinforce our commitment to providing first-class health and wellbeing facilities for people across the area."