GraceMachin Planning & Property has successfully delivered a series of high-profile planning permissions for World Padel Academy (WPA) — one of the world’s fastest-growing padel tennis operators — across England and, most recently, into Wales.
From the Midlands to Cardiff, these projects are redefining community access to racquet sports and cementing the UK’s place in the global padel tennis boom.
Project Milestones:
Nottingham – A First for the City
In 2021, GraceMachin were appointed by Notts County F.C. to deliver Nottingham’s first-ever padel tennis centre, adjacent to Meadow Lane Stadium.
Planning permission was secured in December 2021, following positive engagement with Nottingham City Council. The centre has been operational since 2022 and continues to thrive under the management of World Padel Academy (WPA) — a global brand with existing success in the Middle East.
Mansfield – Flagship Facility for the Midlands
Following the success in Nottingham, WPA commissioned GraceMachin to assess and progress a flagship padel site in the Midlands.
Planning was granted for a new facility adjacent to Mansfield Town F.C. — now a well-established venue attracting players from across Nottinghamshire.
Wigan – Fitness First Collaboration
In Q2 2025, GraceMachin secured permission for a new padel site in Wigan, in partnership with Fitness First and WPA — marking a significant step in blending racquet sports with traditional health and fitness settings.
Cardiff – Wales' Largest Indoor Padel Centre
Most recently, in August 2025, planning was granted for the largest WPA padel centre outside the Middle East, to be located in Cardiff. The scheme will see a redundant commercial unit transformed into a 10-court indoor venue with full supporting facilities — setting a new standard for indoor padel in the UK.
Challenges & Planning Excellence
All four projects were successfully led by Nick Grace, co-founder of GraceMachin Planning & Property.
“Every site has posed different challenges,”
says Nick. “from heritage concerns and ground conditions, to noise mitigation and navigating Sport England objections. But with careful site assessment and strategic planning, we’ve helped WPA deliver world-class facilities that are both viable and beneficial to local communities.”
“As a racquet sports enthusiast myself, it’s been personally rewarding to combine that passion with our professional work. These are projects that genuinely support physical and mental wellbeing across all age groups. It’s positive planning at its best.”
About GraceMachin Planning & Property
GraceMachin Planning & Property is a specialist planning consultancy with a reputation for delivering complex planning permissions across the Midlands and beyond. With a pragmatic and client-focused approach, the firm delivers success across sectors including sport, leisure, residential, agricultural and commercial.
To learn more or discuss upcoming projects, call us on 0115 958 2322.
