Just Padel Bolton - Bolton’s First Ever Indoor Padel Facility

Delivering a Landmark Leisure Destination Through Planning-Led Design

Studio FRI secured full planning permission for Bolton’s first indoor padel tennis facility at Unit 2A,Bolton Central Business Park, Nelson Street (BL3 2JJ). Delivered for Just Padel, the North West’sleading padel operator, the scheme reimagines a long-vacant industrial unit, formerly within Use Class B2/B8, as a refined and contemporary leisure destination under Use Class E(d). The development introduces five premium indoor padel courts alongside a carefully considered reception and lounge environment with full changing and shower facilities. As Bolton’s first dedicated padel venue, the project represents a meaningful addition to the town’s sporting infrastructure and marks Just Padel’s third North West facility, following Preston and Blackpool. Studio FRI has acted as lead architectural and planning consultant on every Just Padel site delivered to date, shaping a consistent, high-quality approach across the brand.

Navigating Employment Land Policy to Unlock Community Benefit

Located within a designated employment area, the site presented clear policy challenges where leisure uses are typically resisted. Studio FRI led the project through these constraints with a planning-led strategy rooted in evidence, clarity and judgement. A coordinated submission was prepared, including a detailed Planning Statement, Noise Impact Assessment and Transport Statement, demonstrating that the proposal would reactivate a dormant building, create local employment and deliver measurable social and health benefits. By positioning the scheme as a regeneration-led intervention rather than a simple change of use, Studio FRI successfully aligned the development with wider policy objectives. The result was a positive planning outcome that enabled a vacant asset to be returned to productive use while introducing a new, inclusive sport to the town.

Purpose-Built Indoor Courts Designed for Year-Round Performance

The facility provides five purpose-built indoor padel courts designed for consistent, year-round play. Studio FRI worked closely with the client to adapt the existing industrial structure into a clear, efficient and welcoming internal layout, balancing operational performance with spatial quality and regulatory compliance. Reception, lounge and support spaces are carefully integrated to create a calm, sociable environment, allowing the architecture to support the sport without unnecessary embellishment. The result is a cost-effective yet considered design that prioritises experience, durability and long-term usability.

Supporting Regeneration and Active Lifestyles in Central Bolton

Just Padel Bolton demonstrates how underused employment buildings can be repositioned to support healthier lifestyles and urban vitality without undermining economic resilience. The project aligns with local ambitions to revitalise vacant commercial space while broadening access to high-quality leisure facilities. As padel continues to grow rapidly across the UK, the Bolton facility stands as a clear example of how sport-led development, when guided by strong planning and design intelligence, can deliver genuine community value.

Studio FRI – Planning-Led Architecture for Sport, Leisure, and Regeneration

Studio FRI is a Preston-based architectural and planning consultancy operating across Bolton, Greater Manchester and the wider North West. The practice is recognised for securing consent on complex and policy-sensitive sites, particularly within the sport and leisure sector.
From early feasibility to planning approval, Studio FRI provides calm, strategic guidance and design clarity where projects are most exposed to risk. Whether reimagining vacant buildings, navigating employment land policy or delivering first-of-their-kind leisure facilities, Studio FRI offers the expertise and judgement required to move ambitious projects forward with confidence.