Four padel courts will open at Eaton Park after construction finishes on May 24, Chris Evans, the director of National Tennis Association (NTA), has revealed.

The £350,000 project is being funded through a combination of investment from NTA and community crowdfunding.

Mr Evans said: "Construction is progressing well and we’re getting closer to opening.

"The ring beams are now in place, and this week we expect to have the top surface and fencing installed.

Padel courts under construcition at Eaton Park (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"Our aim from the outset has been to make padel as accessible as possible to the local community.

"We know that cost can often be a barrier to trying new sports, so we’ve intentionally set our pricing lower than many other venues across the city.

"By offering affordable pay-and-play rates, as well as a low-cost annual membership option, we hope to encourage more people of all ages and abilities to give padel a go."

Padel courts under construcition at Eaton Park (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Pay-and-play court bookings will be £5pp, so a typical four-person game will cost £20.

Racket hire will be available at the park and NTA plan to host an open day shortly after May 24.

Mr Evans added: "Whether people are completely new to racket sports or already play tennis, padel is a social, easy-to-learn game that can be enjoyed from the first session.

"There’s no need for players to invest in equipment straight away.

"We will also offer a range of introductory sessions, group coaching, and community open days to help people get involved."

© Eastern Daily Press