Brace yourselves – excitement is building as Port Alfred prepares itself for the launch of two new padel courts which developers say will be a sure-fire hit in the town.
The courts, currently under construction at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club, are earmarked for launch in the first week of December.
Business partners, Warwick Heny, Jason Sharrock and Simon du Plessis have come together after seizing a gap in the market to bring the “fastest-growing sport globally” to local communities.
Heny said he and his business partners jumped at the opportunity to develop the project when someone else who had an eye on the venture pulled out.
“We got the plans approved to build the courts and a hut (for office, booking space and shop) … and we had to hire a town planning company which put in a proposal for consent use application. The zoning is fine because the property is owned by the golf club and it’s zoned as Open Space 2 for consent use for a sports facility.”
Heny said the consent use notification period ended on Monday this week and he is confident that there are no objections to the project.
“We have 100% backing from Royal St Andrews Hotel across the road … they see it as a huge bonus for customers and staff. We have partnered with the golf club who has funded the process (consent use) costs with the municipality to get this development formalised.
“We are positive this is going to work … players will book via an online app; so they pay upfront and there’s no cash kept on the premises.
“As for the region, it’s a no-brainer really; more people will come to the region; more people will play golf … and spend more money. It’s just an extra activity that Port Alfred doesn’t offer right now,” said Heny.
Phase 1 and 2 of the project has been completed with earthmoving being done and two concrete slabs laid. Phase 3 of the project is underway with court material being delivered. “It will take workmen five days to assemble the court and we envisage we can be ready to play padel in 10 days’ time,” said Heny.
Royal St Andrews Hotel managing director, Justin Bekker, said the hotel was thrilled about the new padel court development.
“Padel is a highly popular sport across the country with a low skill barrier, making it easy for almost anyone to pick up in just a few minutes. It’s a fantastic social sport with a strong emphasis on fun.
“From a tourism perspective, adding another activity for people to enjoy in town is a wonderful attraction that will draw more visitors to Port Alfred,” he added.
“With the rise of remote work we’ve seen our community grow younger with income being paid from all over the country and being spent locally to the benefit of the local economy.
“We wish the owners of the padel courts great success in their venture.”
Chair of the Sunshine Coast Tourism Board, Wouter Hensens, said the padel court development was an excellent move for the town.
“Padel has been a huge success in many countries, such as the Netherlands for example.
“It’s a great initiative especially for the upcoming holiday season. We know Port Alfred will be chock-a-block with holidaymakers over December for three or four weeks and it’s a boost to the local economy. Padel also gives young people another alternative besides the beautiful beaches and natural environment … the youth can’t be expected to just sit at home. It (padel) really enhances the town.”
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, November 14, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
