Building a padel facility means running three projects at once: a construction project, a permit process and the start of an operating business. Most problems appear when one of them is planned without the others. This guide walks through the process in the order we recommend, with links to deeper guides for each step.

1. Define the concept and the business case

Start with who the facility is for and how it will earn money. Court bookings are the core, but many facilities also plan for coaching, leagues, memberships, events, a café or a pro shop. Decide early whether you are building a small neighbourhood facility or a larger destination centre, because that shapes every later decision. Our guide How to start a padel business covers the first questions, and the padel centre business plan shows what to include.

2. Find and assess the site

The site decides how many courts fit, whether you build indoors or outdoors and what the building costs. Check ceiling height for indoor courts, ground conditions, access for deliveries and installation, parking, noise sensitivity of the neighbours and the lease or purchase terms. Read how to choose a location for a padel centre and how much space you need.

3. Decide indoor or outdoor

Climate, permits, budget and the number of months you want to play all point in different directions. Many projects end up with a mix. See indoor vs outdoor padel courts before you commit.

4. Decide how many courts to build

More courts spread fixed costs over more bookings, but only if demand is there. We recommend testing the number against realistic bookings and your budget – see how many padel courts should you build?

5. Check planning and permits early

Zoning, building permits, noise rules and lighting rules vary by country and municipality. Speak to the authorities before you sign anything binding, and build approval time into your schedule. Our guide to what permits you may need lists the usual topics. Permits are handled by you or your local architect; we supply the technical information about the courts.

6. Build a realistic budget

The courts are only one line in the budget. Groundwork or a hall, utilities, changing rooms, reception, furniture, marketing and working capital all belong in the numbers. Start with how much it costs to build a padel centre and use our court configurator for the court part.

7. Choose your suppliers

Courts, turf, lighting, construction and installation need to fit together. Compare specifications, not just prices, and ask who is responsible when parts from different suppliers meet. See how to choose a padel court supplier.

8. Build, install and open

Plan delivery, installation and commissioning together with the construction schedule. A good handover includes the courts, lighting, safety checks and a plan for the first weeks of operation.