Diversifying Land Use: How farmers & landowners can capitalise on padel & pickleball
For farmers and landowners looking to diversify income streams, investing in padel or pickleball courts presents an opportunity that is low-maintenance, high-return, and growing fast across the UK.
Unlike other diversification projects, such as glamping or holiday rentals, sports courts can be run with flexible management models depending on whether they are staffed or self-service. Either way, they tap into an expanding market of players, clubs, and coaching opportunities.
Why Padel & Pickleball?
Both sports are booming in the UK, with growing demand for venues in rural areas.
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with participation doubling year on year.
Pickleball is following the same trajectory, particularly appealing to older players and community groups.
Both sports require less space than traditional tennis courts and can be built on underutilised land.
Turn Unused Buildings into Profit-Generating Courts
One of the biggest advantages for landowners is that existing buildings, such as barns or agricultural sheds, can be repurposed into sports facilities with minimal planning barriers.
In many cases, these structures only need a Change of Use application, making the planning process far simpler than starting from scratch. With the right design, these buildings can house year-round sports facilities that attract members, coaching groups, and local players.
Existing agricultural buildings – Converted barns and sheds can be turned into indoor courts, offering year-round play.
Unused farmyard space – Hardstanding areas or former livestock yards can be transformed into high-quality outdoor courts.
Repurposing old structures – With minor modifications, even underutilised storage spaces can be adapted into playing areas.
What’s the Return on Investment?
A well-planned padel or pickleball facility can generate significant revenue, offering a quick return on investment through multiple income streams:
Pay-as-you-play court bookings – Attract local players and clubs looking for a place to train.
Membership models – Offer subscriptions for regular players.
Coaching and training programs – Bring in coaches to run structured lessons.
Corporate events and group bookings – Appeal to businesses looking for active team-building activities.
Tournaments and leagues – Generate additional revenue while increasing local interest.
With courts requiring less space than traditional sports facilities, the cost of installation is relatively low compared to other diversification projects, and the operational overheads are minimal.
Why Work with Padel Magic UK?
At Padel Magic UK, we specialise in turning underutilised land and buildings into fully operational sports venues.
✔ Full-Service Planning – Guidance on planning applications, Change of Use, and site assessments.
✔ Turnkey Installations – High-quality padel and pickleball courts built for performance and durability.
✔ All-Weather Solutions – Canopies and covered courts for year-round play.
✔ Business Strategy & Support – Helping landowners set up booking systems, marketing strategies, and revenue models.
✔ Ongoing Growth Assistance – Coaching networks, league partnerships, and expansion planning.
If you’re a landowner or farmer considering a smart, scalable way to diversify, padel and pickleball could be the perfect fit, let’s discuss how to turn your land into a thriving sports venue.
