One of Europe's most popular sports is on its way to Newcastle with four dedicated 'padel' courts to be built at Beresfield Golf Course as part of a $1.7 million upgrade.
Councillors this week approved a development application for the popular City of Newcastle-owned facility that also includes a 16-bay driving range with protective netting, the extension of the course's operating hours and carpark improvements.
Render of the proposed padel courtsThe project represents the first major upgrade proposed by Clublinks Management since it entered into a 15-year lease with City of Newcastle to manage the course in December 2025.
City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said the project will enhance the recreational facilities available for the city's growing western community.
"These upgrades will provide a solid foundation for the long-term success of this much-loved community asset," Ms Hyland said.
"The sport of padel is growing rapidly across Australia, with the number of courts rising from 100 to more than 210 in the past two years.
"The $1.7 million upgrade will expand the number of recreational facilities available at Beresfield while maintaining the core business of the golf course."
The project will be delivered by Clublinks in stages, starting with the installation of the driving range, with 25-metre-high netting to prevent golf balls from entering the adjoining residential area to the east and the golf course to the west, followed by the padel courts.
Render of the proposed padel courtsPadel is a fast-paced doubles racquet sport that blends elements of tennis, squash and badminton, played on a court that is 10 metres wide by 20 metres long.
The four courts will be enclosed by glass walls and mesh fencing, while the car park upgrade will include new line marking and signage for accessible parking spaces.
New lighting will also be installed for the driving range and padel courts to provide extended hours of access for all users.
CEO at Clublinks Anthony Lawrence said this approval marks an exciting new chapter for Beresfield Golf Course.
"We're proud to partner with the City of Newcastle to bring this new community asset to life and create a place for Beresfield to play, hang out and catch up," Mr Lawrence said.
"Whether it's a bucket of balls at the driving range, a game of padel or a coffee with friends, there'll be something for everyone and we can't wait to welcome the community to play a whole new way."
Beresfield Golf Course is located midway between Newcastle and Maitland, and also features an 18-hole footgolf course, 18-hole disc golf course and mini-golf.
