Plans lodged for padel courts in Whiffler Road in Norwich

Kirkham House in Whiffler Road is at the centre of two key planning applications which will see it turned into a huge sports facility. 

Highball Climbing Centre has already been granted permission to turn part of the site into a climbing facility, offering bouldering and rope climbing activities for children and adults. 

And separate proposals could see the rear of the building fitted out with three sports courts along with an area which will be used for badminton, pickleball, tennis and table tennis.

Padel is considered one of the UK's fastest growing sports (Image: Adam Gasson/PA)

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The courts will be designed for padel, a racket sport similar to tennis that originated in Mexico but has grown in popularity across Europe in recent years. 

The plans have been lodged with Norwich City Council by Racket Hub and include a cafe and lounge area, as well as changing rooms for guests. 

A spokesman for the company said: "We plan to be the first centre to offer access to premium quality padel courts in East Anglia. 

"We fully expect others to follow suit, but as the first mover, we will work hard to establish the first clubs, the first teams, and to become the local name for padel."