A padel court might look simple once it is finished. Getting the infrastructure behind it right is anything but.
Metelec Services recently completed a major mechanical and electrical upgrade at a well-known David Lloyd Manchester North club to support the installation of five new indoor padel courts.
It was another significant milestone in the company’s growing involvement in the nationwide expansion of padel, but this project was about much more than simply putting lights above five courts. The existing environment had to be adapted, new electrical infrastructure introduced and the building’s existing heating arrangement modified to create a space suitable for modern indoor padel.
One of the most substantial elements of the project was the installation of approximately 120 metres of high-level Elbagate E-Line 6-pole 25A busbar, providing the infrastructure required to serve the new court lighting.
New mains distribution and LV circuits were also installed to accommodate the revised layout and the equipment requirements of the new facility.
Then came the lighting itself.
Across the five courts, Metelec installed 48 120W LED high-bay sports luminaires, selected specifically for indoor padel and tennis environments. Lighting levels were designed and installed in accordance with LTA guidance, ensuring that the courts provide an appropriate environment for players.
But perhaps one of the more interesting elements was the approach to control.
High-level BEG PD4 PIR controls were installed across all five courts, allowing simultaneous lighting control while helping to improve energy efficiency. Rather than simply having lights operating continuously, the system provides a smarter approach to how the facility consumes energy.
The mechanical element of the project was equally important.
The existing high-level industrial heating system was decommissioned, including the removal of four heaters and the strip-out of redundant pipework back to the main run. Steel pipework was then threaded and capped.
The reason was straightforward – the existing heaters created an obstruction within the playing environment and needed to be removed to allow the new courts to function properly.
The result is a facility designed around the requirements of the modern padel player, with the electrical and mechanical infrastructure working behind the scenes to support the experience.
For Metelec, it also demonstrates the depth of expertise required to work within sports and recreation environments. These are not simply spaces requiring power and lighting. They are highly specific environments where performance, safety, energy efficiency, comfort and user experience all need to be considered together.
With Metelec continuing to support the growth of padel across the UK, Manchester North Club represents another important chapter in that journey.