Back of the Net plans expansion in Wakefield
The sports hub has applied to convert an adjoining 10,000 sq ft unit at Flanshaw Industrial Estate into padel courts.
The application seeks a change of use of the unit to enable Back of the Net to operate the two premises as a single, integrated sports and leisure destination, noting that the established indoor sports venue has expanded beyond indoor football to provide a wider leisure offer incorporating sport, recreation, hospitality, family entertainment, and community activities.
The proposed expansion would include new padel courts, with the adjoining unit providing additional floorspace to meet growing demand, with the planning statement saying the adjoining unit represents the “only realistic opportunity” for the business to expand while allowing both premises to operate as one sports hub.
The two units would share reception facilities, parking, changing accommodation, staffing, management, hospitality facilities, and other operational infrastructure.
The planning statement says the development would safeguard existing jobs, create new employment and support further private investment, while increasing visitor expenditure in the local economy.
It also highlights the health and wellbeing benefits of expanding opportunities for sport and recreation, alongside the benefits of creating a cluster of complementary commercial leisure uses at Flanshaw Industrial Estate.
