Sorrento Bowling Club Green Approved for Padel Court Transformation in Perth
The global sporting phenomenon of padel is officially coming to Perth's northern suburbs, with the City of Joondalup granting approval for part of the Sorrento Bowling Club to be transformed into dedicated courts for the rapidly growing racquet sport.
Approval and Development Details
The bowling club recently submitted a sublease application for its eastern green to be utilized by operator Pinnacle Padel, which has now received formal approval from the City of Joondalup. Pending final design and construction approvals, three double courts will be constructed at the bowling club location, with plans for an additional two courts in the future.
Club officials are optimistic that the courts will become operational well before the final months of this year, marking a significant addition to Perth's sporting infrastructure.
What is Padel?
Padel is a racquet sport that has been experiencing explosive growth across Australia and worldwide. Typically played in doubles on an enclosed court featuring glass walls, the game combines tennis-style scoring with the wall play elements of squash. According to the International Padel Federation, more than 35 million people now play padel globally, with membership growing an impressive 42 percent over the previous year.
Operating Hours and Facilities
The proposed padel courts are scheduled to operate from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week, with the last booking commencing at 9pm. Users of the padel facilities will have access to the bowling club's existing amenities, including:
- Toilets and change rooms
- Indoor and outdoor seating areas
- Food and beverage services
- Barbecue facilities
These shared facilities will be available during the bowling club's regular operating hours, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two sporting communities.
Financial and Community Benefits
Sorrento Bowling Club president Peter McHugh expressed enthusiasm about the development, noting that the club anticipates welcoming a broader demographic through its doors. "Sorrento Bowling Club is looking forward to a much broader age range of people, from maybe 10-80 years who will see lawn bowls close-up and be motivated to give it a try," Mr. McHugh stated.
The proposal promises significant financial advantages for both the club and the local government. The bowling club expects to see an increase of $46,800 in annual rental income, along with potential growth in bar sales and venue hire patronage. Meanwhile, the City of Joondalup, which manages the reserve, is projected to gain an additional $15,600 annually while reducing maintenance costs by $6,321.
Mr. McHugh emphasized the broader community benefits, suggesting that other clubs with underutilized greens could explore similar arrangements. "There is a clear financial advantage for the bowls, croquet and other sporting clubs in doing this if they have a spare green or one which has less usage than previously," he explained. "It is advantageous also for the community as a whole because of the varied sporting opportunities being offered on existing grounds and greater participation across many different age groups."
Construction and Operational Details
Construction of the padel courts will be funded through a partnership between Pinnacle Padel and Mindspring Padel, with an estimated total cost of approximately $390,000. Once operational, court bookings are expected to cost a flat rate of $50 per hour, which translates to $12.50 per person for a standard group of four players.
The facility will feature modern conveniences including smart lockers and vending machines providing equipment such as rackets and balls, along with snacks and drinks for players.
Community Engagement
The Sorrento Bowling Club is planning an open day on 24 May starting at 10:30am, inviting community members to explore what the club has to offer and learn more about the upcoming padel facilities. This initiative reflects the club's commitment to increasing community involvement in sport and creating diverse recreational opportunities for residents of Perth's northern suburbs.
