Building Momentum: Colchester Padel's First Few Weeks
Bringing more padel facilities to Colchester has been a subject of conversation with our little founder group since we started playing the game. When I started this campaign though I was a bit worried. What would the response be from the ‘real world’?
The answer? Colchester is absolutely ready for this plan.
These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, community engagement, and genuine excitement. Here's what we've achieved:
We're Live Online
The foundation of any serious project is a professional presence, and we've delivered exactly that:
Website Launch: www.colchesterpadel.co.uk is now live with full details about our vision, our plans, and ways to get involved. It's not just a placeholder – it's a proper home for everything Colchester Padel.
Instagram: Follow us at @colchesterpadel where we're sharing updates, padel education, and building our community day by day. The engagement has been brilliant, and it's clear there's real appetite for this in Colchester.
Investment Documentation Complete
For those asking about the commercial side of things, I'm pleased to confirm that our comprehensive investor pack is now complete and available. This isn't a back-of-napkin idea – we've also developed detailed financial projections, market analysis, and a robust business plan for Colchester Padel.
The numbers stack up. The market opportunity is clear. And we're ready to have serious conversations with investors who want to be part of bringing this to Colchester.
If you're interested in learning more about the investment opportunity, get in touch at hello@colchesterpadel.co.uk.
Community Engagement is Building
What's been most encouraging isn't just the numbers – it's the quality of conversations happening. We've started to connect with residents across Colchester who understand exactly why this town needs year-round, climate-controlled padel facilities.
The Logo Competition is Coming
Soon we’ll be sending out the first press release to local papers. If you want to be included on the distribution list let me know. As part of that release, we're launching a logo design competition open to all Colchester residents. The winning designer receives a full year's membership (when we open) and their design becomes our visual identity across everything – branding, marketing, merchandise, facility signage.
This isn't just about getting a logo. It's about ensuring Colchester Padel is built from the community, not just for it. Your creativity. Your vision. Your town.
Full details are coming soon. If you know talented designers, artists, or creative minds in Colchester, tell them to watch this space.
The Plan
Let me be clear about what's happening here. We're not just planning courts – we're creating a community hub featuring:
4 premium indoor courts with climate control
Coffee shop for pre and post-game socialising
Equipment shop
Bar facilities
Professional coaching programs
Youth development initiatives
Senior social sessions
Target opening: Late 2026, subject to planning approvals and funding arrangements.
See It For Yourself
Want to understand what I'm working to achieve? I’ve been looking across Instagram for some inspiration (inspo?) for the type of club I want to create.
Up in Northwich:
And Stockport:
What Happens Next
The momentum is building, but we're just getting started. Over the coming weeks you'll see:
Logo competition launch and submissions
Updates and more opportunities to get involved
Continued site evaluation and planning progress
This project will succeed because Colchester wants it to succeed. Every person who follows on Instagram, joins our mailing list, shares their interest, or simply spreads the word is making this happen.
Join the Movement
Whether you're an experienced padel player frustrated by limited local facilities, someone who's never heard of the sport but wants to try, or an investor recognising the opportunity – there's a place for you in this project.
Get Involved:
Visit: www.colchesterpadel.co.uk and join our mailing list for updates including the logo competition details
Follow: @colchesterpadel on Instagram
Invest: Email hello@colchesterpadel.co.uk for the investor pack
Colchester deserves world-class padel facilities. Let's make it happen.
Phil Hurst
Founder, Colchester Padel
P.S. - That logo competition? Deadline is November 30, 2025. Start thinking about designs that capture both Colchester's Roman heritage and padel's dynamic, social nature. Full brief coming very soon.