Former railway engine shed to become padel court

A padel sports centre and gym will be created at a historic railway site after plans were approved by the council.

Ollo Padel proposed to convert the Roundhouse, a Grade II* listed former railway engine shed near Armley Gyratory, into nine outdoor padel courts, along with indoor sports facilities and events spaces.

The plans were unanimously approved by Leeds City councillors, who described them as "sensible" and "an imaginative use of the site".

Plans for the Roundhouse were revised after a similar scheme proposed in 2023 did not go ahead.

The site had previously been used as a commercial van and car rental depot before becoming vacant in 2022.

The Roundhouse was built by the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company in 1847 and accommodated up to 20 locomotives during the Victorian era, the Local Democracy Service reports.

According to Historic England, the date of the building coincided with the railway "mania" of the 1840s, making it "an exceptional example of this interesting period in railway history".

Historic England said it had no objection to the applications on heritage grounds.

Seventy-five parking spaces would be provided as part of the project, along with bike storage and footpath access.

Applicants Ollo Padel said: "The development will seek to support an inclusive, community centred leisure destination, encouraging physical activity, social interaction and wellbeing across all ages and abilities."

Otley and Yeadon Liberal Democrat member Colin Campbell supported the plans, saying: "It strikes me this is quite a sensible proposal."

Kirkstall Labour councillor Andy Rontree said: "I'm impressed with this.

"I think it's an appropriate and imaginative use of the site."

One of the fastest growing sports in the UK, padel is often described as a cross between tennis and squash and is played on a court around a third of the size of a traditional lawn tennis court.

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