Plans in for The Roundhouse padel development
Ollo Padel is looking to create a three-acre leisure scheme at the disused grade two-listed landmark at the edge of Leeds city centre.
Previous operators who have attempted to bring padel to The Roundhouse include We Are Padel and UK Padel Club.
Part of the South Bank regeneration zone, the project team includes planning consultant Nineteen47 and architect firm BHB.
Ollo Padel hopes to bring the iconic Victorian building back into everyday use before the end of 2026, with five covered and four open courts.
This would be alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, and gyms.
The team also intends to offer free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, and inclusive programmes for women and children.
A seven minute walk from the city centre, the development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations.
The restoration and build programme will also support a significant number of construction and specialist trade jobs, bringing skilled employment and investment to the area.
Will Linley, co-founder of Ollo Padel and founder of estate agent Linley & Simpson said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.”
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport, creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, founder of Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds.
“We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans.
“We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
“It came to our attention that the previous operator withdrew at a very late stage, despite the proposals having been recommended for approval.
“We’re now re-igniting the Roundhouse opportunity and are extremely pleased to bring this site back to life with a carefully considered, community-focused leisure use.
“We’re incredibly excited to create a place Leeds can be proud of – somewhere that feels welcoming, social and full of life. A space where people can play, connect and feel part of something special right in the heart of the city.”
