Padel plans receive green light at historic Leeds landmark

One of Leeds’ most historic buildings is set to be brought back to life after plans for a brand new padel and leisure destination received the green light.

Council planners have resolved to approve planning permission and listed building consent for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a contemporary sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.

Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.

The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building, remove unsympathetic modern additions and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.

Padel is a fast-growing doubles racket sport that is easy to pick up, highly sociable and suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a striking 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.

At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; a place to eat, drink, work and get together. Built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces making it as much a neighbourhood destination as a home for padel in Leeds.

The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind some of the city’s best-loved venues, including Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.

The site plans also include cycle parking, improved pedestrian access and provision for sustainable travel, including an on-site Beryl bike scheme. The development is expected to create more than 20 permanent jobs across coaching, hospitality, front-of-house and operations with a focus on local recruitment.

Community programming will also be central to the venue with free school coaching sessions, junior and women’s programmes, social leagues, community club nights and beginner-friendly events designed to make padel accessible, open and welcoming to as many people as possible.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.

Luke Gidney, founder & CEO of Ollo Padel, said: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.

“Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.”

He added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”

Will Linley, co-founder f Ollo Padel: "The Roundhouse is one of the most special buildings in Leeds. It deserves a future, not just a past. Restoring it and filling it with sport, wellbeing, food, drink and community activity feels like exactly the right next chapter. We want this to be a venue that Leeds can be proud of.”