Work has begun on what the developers say will be the UK’s first floating padel club in Liverpool Waters, a leisure development that aims to blend sport, hospitality and community activity on the city’s waterfront.
Site and schedule
The facility, called Vibora Liverpool Waters, is being built within the Princes Dock neighbourhood and will initially open with two floating padel courts, a food and beverage offer and retail space. Developers expect the construction phase now under way to take about four weeks, with a target opening of mid-September.
The project has been developed in close cooperation with waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters. The founders behind Vibora—court-construction specialist Gareth Evans, entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton and Nicholas Sherratt, and local businesswoman Clare Hughes—describe the site as a hybrid for sport, socialising and business networking.
What visitors will find
On opening, Vibora will offer:
- Two purpose-built floating padel courts
- A central clubhouse serving wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks
- Retail space and a food and beverage offer
- Community and wellness events alongside regular padel play
The founders say the clubhouse will act as a hub for players and visitors to watch matches from the waterfront, host networking events and provide a social space before and after play.
“It’s been a challenge and it’s taken two and a half years, but we’re on site now. The build is going to take about four weeks and we’re looking at a mid-September opening,” said Gareth Evans.
Future plans
The initial launch will be followed by a second phase later this year that will add a third floating court. The founders have framed the project as more than a sports venue, emphasising a programme of community and wellness activity to make the development flexible for different groups, businesses and visitors to Liverpool.
While floating courts have appeared elsewhere in Europe, Vibora’s team say this will be the first destination of its kind in the UK. The project has been in development for around two and a half years, according to the founders, reflecting the logistical complexity of building a floating leisure facility on a working dock.
| Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| Planning and development phase | Approx. two and a half years |
| Site construction | About four weeks (started August 2026) |
| Target opening | Mid-September 2026 |
| Phase two (additional court) | Later in 2026 |
Local context and implications
Liverpool Waters and Princes Dock have been focal points for waterfront regeneration over recent years. A floating leisure venue adds a novel element to the mix, potentially attracting visitors and boosting footfall around the docks while creating leisure jobs and new opportunities for local retailers and hospitality operators.
Padel, a racket sport that has surged in popularity across Europe, is central to the founders’ pitch. They say the floating courts will offer a distinctive playing experience in the heart of Liverpool Waters, pairing sport with the city’s waterfront setting.
For residents and businesses around the dock, the project raises familiar questions about transport, servicing and access when events and matches draw crowds. The developers have not announced detailed operational plans for matchday access or employment numbers, but have signalled an emphasis on community programming alongside commercial activity.
The arrival of Vibora Liverpool Waters underlines the continuing shift in how the city’s waterfront is used — from industry and shipping to a mix of homes, offices, leisure and culture. If the opening goes to plan, Liverpool will host the UK’s first floating padel destination, adding another chapter to the waterfront’s reinvention.
