A leading firm of architects is serving up national success by designing a series of new padel centres across the country.

Base Architects – which has offices in Shrewsbury, Chester and Conwy – is working on eight new sites for leading operator Padeltastic (t/a Smash Padel) as well as two further schemes for independent clients.

Base, which was founded more than 20 years ago and has established a national reputation for its residential and commercial work, says the projects demonstrate the continued importance of good design. 

Padel – a racquet sport which combines elements of tennis and squash – is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK thanks to its inclusive nature and year-round appeal.

Base associate director Jack Harris said the firm was working on centres in London, Taunton, Bicester and Oxford for Padeltastic, as well as sites in Wrexham and Bridgnorth with two independent operators.

“Padel is expanding at a remarkable pace but good design still needs to lead the way,” said Jack. 

“No two sites are the same and our role is to ensure every project – whether in a conservation area, a school campus or a major leisure destination – is carefully considered and genuinely beneficial to the communities it serves.

“Working with Smash Padel has allowed us to apply that approach on a national scale and really showcase the talent within our team.  Each of the projects has presented its own challenges but by working proactively with the client we have been able to come up with solutions which we believe will support players of all ages for years to come.

“Each has been carefully designed to respond to the characteristics of its site, to be accessible to all and to deliver a high-quality leisure facility without unacceptable impacts.”

Smash Padel specialises in the development and operation of padel facilities nationwide and focuses on developing accessible and community-oriented centres. It was founded in 2021 and has quickly become established as one of the leading operators in the UK.

Smash Padel said: “We’re committed to creating genuinely inclusive, community‑driven venues where people of all ages and abilities can play, learn and connect. Base fully understands that vision. Their design approach allows us to bring padel to new locations in a way that is sensitive and sustainable.

“They’ve helped us deliver facilities that support year‑round play, high‑quality coaching and meaningful social spaces. We’re proud to be working with a team that shares our belief in accessibility, grassroots development and creating environments where people feel welcome from day one.”

Base has built a strong national portfolio of residential and commercial projects, a reputation for outstanding customer service and a track record of successful delivery.

The firm was founded by Carl Huntley – now its chairman – 23 years ago and has enjoyed a strong period of growth in the last 12 months.

For more details about Base visit https://www.basearchitecture.co.uk/