An exciting 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 step in the redevelopment of a prominent site just 3.5 miles north of Cardiff city centre, bringing together sport, fitness, leisure and commercial uses in a location that was in significant need of investment and renewal.
The Padel Club, which is set to open in 2027, will bring its community-focused approach to Cardiff with a new seven-court venue, comprising four indoor panoramic courts under a towering 10‑metre-high roof, offering year‑round play in a light‑filled, high‑ceiling environment.
Two canopy courts allow for outdoor play, whatever the weather, and one outdoor court for high season play.
The facility, the first in the north of the city, will provide opportunities for players of all abilities, from those picking up a padel racket for the first time to more experienced players looking to compete.
The venue will also feature a Clubhouse serving beverages and snacks, premium seating, lockers, showers, and an onsite retail and coaching hub, making it effortless to drop in, learn, or compete – creating a social destination around the sport rather than simply a place to play.
Founded in 2022, The Padel Club has been expanding its presence across the UK, with Cardiff representing its latest move as it brings its distinctive combination of sport and community to the Welsh capital.
Alongside The Padel Club, SW7 Gyms will open at Stride Park early next year. The modern performance and wellness club will bring training, coaching, recovery and wellness together in one connected space, featuring a premium gym, dedicated recovery suite, group classes, one-to-one coaching, and café.
Co-founded by former Wales rugby international and two-time British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton OBE and his business partner Andrew Jones, SW7 Gyms is inspired by the principles of elite sport but designed for the everyday trainer, the club will offer a welcoming, design-led environment for people who take their health, performance and longevity seriously, 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 signings are the first major announcements for the leisure element of Stride Park, with further occupiers expected to join the mixed-use scheme as redevelopment progresses.
Stride Park forms part of the wider Cardiff Business Park which is home to established occupiers including Screwfix, Toolstation, Royal Mail, Greggs and Pelican Healthcare. The area is also close to Llanishen Leisure Centre and the Lifestyle Shopping Park, which includes M&S Simply Food, Boots, HomeSense and Pets at Home.
The scheme benefits from strong transport connections, with Parc Ty Glas railway station within walking distance and services connecting with Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central. It is also well 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.”
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.”
The wider Stride Park redevelopment 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.”
