A new mixed-use destination is taking shape in north Cardiff, with The Padel Club and fitness operator SW7 Gyms confirmed as the first leisure occupiers at Llanishen’s Stride Park.
The signings mark an important stage in the redevelopment of the prominent site, located 3.5 miles north of Cardiff city centre.
The development will bring together sport, fitness, leisure and commercial uses at a location described as being in significant need of investment and renewal.
Seven-court padel venue
The Padel Club is set to open at Stride Park in 2027. The new venue will feature seven courts, including four indoor panoramic courts beneath a 10-metre-high roof.
The indoor courts will offer year-round play in a light-filled, high-ceiling environment. The facility will also include two canopy courts for outdoor play in different weather conditions and one outdoor court for the high season.
It will be the first padel facility in the north of Cardiff and will cater for players of all abilities, from beginners picking up a racket for the first time to experienced players looking to compete.
A Clubhouse will serve beverages and snacks, while the venue will also offer premium seating, lockers, showers, retail facilities and an onsite coaching hub.
Founded in 2022, The Padel Club has been expanding across the UK. Cardiff is its latest location as the company brings its combination of sport and community to the Welsh capital.
Kris Ball, Founder & CEO of The Padel Club, added:
“Cardiff is a hugely exciting market for padel, and we’re delighted to be bringing The Padel Club to north Cardiff. Stride Park is a fantastic opportunity to create something that goes beyond simply building courts — we’re creating a destination where people can play, train, socialise and become part of a community.
“Our ambition has always been to make padel feel accessible, premium and genuinely enjoyable, whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or competing at a high level. With seven courts, our Clubhouse, coaching, retail and social spaces, the new venue will bring that experience to a part of Cardiff that has been crying out for new investment and high-quality leisure facilities.
“We’re really looking forward to becoming part of the Cardiff community and seeing Stride Park come to life.”
SW7 Gyms to open next year
SW7 Gyms will open at Stride Park early next year, bringing training, coaching, recovery and wellness together in one connected space.
The modern performance and wellness club will include a premium gym, dedicated recovery suite, group classes, one-to-one coaching and a café.
SW7 Gyms was co-founded by former Wales rugby international and two-time British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton OBE and his business partner Andrew Jones.
Inspired by the principles of elite sport but designed for the everyday trainer, the club will provide a welcoming, design-led environment for people focused on their health, performance and longevity, regardless of age, ability, physique or profession.
Sam Warburton OBE, Co-Founder of SW7 Gyms said:
“Optimising my health and performance has always been a huge part of my life. Throughout my youth and rugby career, I was obsessed with performance and getting the best out of myself, and I was lucky enough to experience some incredible training environments around the world.
“Since retiring, creating a space that brings the best of those experiences to everyone has become a real passion project. To open our first site in north Cardiff, where I grew up, makes it even more special. I want it to be a place the whole community feels welcome, whatever their background, ability or goals — and hopefully the first of many.”
The two businesses are the first major occupiers to be announced for the leisure element of Stride Park. Further occupiers are expected to join the scheme as the redevelopment progresses.
Wider redevelopment gathering pace
Stride Park forms part of the wider Cardiff Business Park, which is home to Screwfix, Toolstation, Royal Mail, Greggs and Pelican Healthcare.
The site is also close to Llanishen Leisure Centre and the Lifestyle Shopping Park, where businesses include M&S Simply Food, Boots, HomeSense and Pets at Home.
Parc Ty Glas railway station is within walking distance, offering services connecting with Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central. The area is also served by local bus routes providing access to the city centre and surrounding suburbs.
Richard Walters of Avalon Glen, which owns Stride Park, said:
“Stride Park is entering an exciting new phase, and the arrival of The Padel Club and SW7 Gyms gives us a fantastic starting point.
“It is great to be bringing a mixed-use development to such a well-connected location. The site was in huge need of redevelopment and our ambition has been to create somewhere that will benefit both the local, and wider, Cardiff community, stimulate the local economy and deliver significant health and wellbeing benefits through sport, fitness and active leisure.
“The project has been delivered by the Walters Group, supported by a wonderful team of contractors and consultants who have helped bring the vision for Stride Park to life.
“The Padel Club and SW7 Gyms are an excellent fit for the scheme and we look forward to announcing further additions to the site in the coming months.”
The wider redevelopment also includes refurbished commercial units ranging from 5,250 sq ft to 15,750 sq ft, which have been marketed by Knight Frank.
Rhys Price, Knight Frank Associate Partner, commented:
“The development has created a balanced mix of both commercial and leisure uses and builds significantly on the site’s prominent position within the north Cardiff market. Further units, due to be delivered next year, remain available to lease and will comprise a mix of approximately 1,500 sq ft and 2,500 sq ft units.
“With The Padel Club and SW7 Gyms now confirmed, the transformation of Stride Park is gathering pace, creating a renewed destination that will support jobs, encourage investment and provide new opportunities for people to work, exercise, socialise and spend time in north Cardiff.”
