Unlocking the Cost: Building 6 Padel Courts & a Bar in Your Warehouse

Highlights: Key Insights into Your Padel Project

Overall Investment: Expect a total project cost ranging from approximately €610,000 to €960,000, including the €350k warehouse purchase, court construction, infrastructure, bar setup, and additional fees.
Padel Court Costs: Constructing six indoor padel courts typically ranges from €120,000 to €240,000, depending heavily on material quality, supplier choice, and specific features.
Space & Infrastructure are Crucial: Fitting 6 courts plus amenities into 1132m² requires meticulous planning. Significant investment is also needed for warehouse conversion, including foundation work, HVAC, lighting, and utilities, estimated between €70,000 and €180,000.

Warehouse Conversion: The Starting Point

You've identified a 1132m² warehouse costing €350,000 as the potential site for your padel club. This initial investment secures the space, but the conversion process is where the bulk of the additional costs lie. Converting an industrial space into a sports facility requires careful planning and execution.

Indoor padel courts within a converted warehouse setting

Example of indoor padel courts installed within a warehouse structure.

Assessing Feasibility & Space Constraints

Before breaking ground, a feasibility assessment is vital. Key considerations include:

Zoning & Permits: Ensure the warehouse zoning allows for commercial sports and leisure activities. Planning permission is typically required for both new construction and significant site renovations like this.
Structural Condition: Assess the warehouse's existing condition – roof, walls, and especially the floor. Indoor padel courts require a solid, level concrete subfloor for anchoring the structures.
Space Planning: A standard padel court is 20m x 10m (200m²). Including necessary safety run-off areas and walkways, each court might require closer to 250-300m². Fitting six courts (potentially 1500-1800m² total footprint) plus a bar, changing rooms, and reception into 1132m² is challenging. Expert layout design is essential, and you might need to consider creative configurations or potentially reducing the number of courts to five for optimal player experience and safety.
Ceiling Height: An adequate ceiling height, ideally a minimum of 6-7 meters clear height above the playing surface, is crucial for lobs and comfortable play.

Cost Breakdown: Padel Courts (6 Units)

The core of your facility is the padel courts themselves. The cost can vary significantly based on several factors.

Per Court Cost Factors

The price per court is influenced by:

Structural Materials: The quality and thickness of the steel frame and glass panels (typically 10mm or 12mm tempered glass) are major cost drivers. Panoramic courts (with fewer posts) often cost more.
Artificial Turf: Different types of turf (e.g., monofilament, fibrillated) offer varying levels of playability, durability, and sand infill requirements, affecting the price (€5,000 - €15,000 per court for turf system).
Lighting: Court-specific LED lighting systems designed to provide uniform brightness (ideally 300-400 lux) without glare are essential for indoor play.
Supplier & Installation: Costs vary between manufacturers, and installation complexity (including transport) affects the final price.
Indoor Specifics: Indoor courts generally require anchoring to a concrete base but may not need the same level of weatherproofing as outdoor courts.

Estimated Cost for 6 Courts

Based on various sources and considering potential economies of scale for multiple units, the estimated cost for constructing six indoor padel courts falls within this range:

Lower End (Basic quality, volume discount): ~€120,000 (approx. €20,000 per court)
Mid-Range (Good quality materials, standard features): ~€180,000 (approx. €30,000 per court)
Higher End (Premium materials, panoramic glass, advanced turf): ~€240,000+ (approx. €40,000+ per court)

Therefore, a reasonable budget range for the six courts alone is €120,000 to €240,000.

Essential Infrastructure & Renovation Costs

Converting the warehouse shell into a functional padel club requires substantial investment in infrastructure beyond the courts.

Site Preparation & Foundation

The existing warehouse floor needs evaluation. You'll likely need:

Concrete Subfloor: A perfectly level and stable concrete base is mandatory for anchoring the court structures. Any existing unevenness must be corrected. The subfloor must be free of utilities (water, gas, electrical lines) where anchors are placed.
Drainage (if needed): While less critical indoors, ensuring no moisture issues affect the base is important.
Estimated Cost: €12,000 - €60,000 (depending on existing floor condition and extent of work needed across the court areas).

Utilities & Climate Control

Essential services include:

Electrical Systems: Upgraded wiring for high-power court lighting, bar equipment, HVAC, and general facility use.
Plumbing: Installation for restrooms, changing rooms (showers), and the bar area.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning): Crucial for indoor air quality and player comfort, especially with multiple courts generating heat and humidity. This can be a significant expense.
Lighting: Beyond court lighting, general facility illumination for walkways, bar, and amenities.
Estimated Cost (HVAC): €20,000 - €50,000+
Estimated Cost (Other Utilities & Lighting): €30,000 - €70,000

Amenities & Safety

Creating a complete club experience:

Changing Rooms & Toilets: Construction and fitting out these essential facilities.
Soundproofing: Padel can be noisy. Sound dampening materials might be necessary, especially if the warehouse is in a mixed-use area or has poor acoustics. (€5,000 - €15,000)
Safety Features: Emergency exits, fire safety systems, and potentially protective netting around courts near walls or walkways.
General Finishes: Flooring for non-court areas, paint, decor.
Estimated Cost (Amenities & Safety): €20,000 - €50,000

Total Infrastructure Estimate

Combining site prep, utilities, amenities, and safety measures, the total budget for infrastructure and renovation is likely between €70,000 and €180,000. This is highly dependent on the warehouse's initial condition and the desired level of finish.

The Bar: Adding Hospitality

A bar and lounge area can be a significant revenue stream and enhance the club's atmosphere. Costs depend on the size and sophistication.

Build-out & Equipment

This includes:

Construction of the bar counter and back-bar area.
Plumbing for sinks and potentially dishwashers.
Electrical for refrigeration, lighting, and point-of-sale systems.
Refrigeration units, potentially basic cooking/prep equipment.
Furniture (stools, tables, chairs) for the lounge/seating area.
Decor and finishes.
Licensing fees.

Estimated Bar Cost

For a functional and appealing bar setup within the warehouse, budget approximately €20,000 to €60,000.

Visualizing Your Project Costs

This mindmap outlines the primary cost categories involved in transforming your warehouse into a 6-court padel club with a bar.

mindmap root["Padel Warehouse Conversion Project (€350k Warehouse)"] id1["Padel Courts (6 Units)"] id1a["Cost Range:
€120k - €240k"] id1b["Key Materials:
Glass, Steel, Turf"] id1c["Installation &
Transport"] id2["Infrastructure & Renovation"] id2a["Cost Range:
€70k - €180k"] id2b["Site Prep/
Foundation"] id2c["Utilities:
Electrical, Plumbing"] id2d["HVAC &
Lighting"] id2e["Amenities:
Toilets, Changing Rms"] id2f["Soundproofing"] id3["Bar Area"] id3a["Cost Range:
€20k - €60k"] id3b["Build-out &
Construction"] id3c["Equipment &
Furnishing"] id3d["Licensing"] id4["Additional Costs"] id4a["Professional Fees
(Architect, Permits):
~10-15% of build"] id4b["Contingency:
10-15% buffer"] id4c["Ongoing Maintenance:
Annual Costs"] id5["Key Considerations"] id5a["Space Planning
(1132m² Constraint)"] id5b["Ceiling Height
(min 6-7m)"] id5c["Zoning &
Permissions"]

Understanding these components helps in allocating your budget effectively.

Additional Project Costs & Considerations

Beyond the main construction elements, remember to factor in these crucial expenses:

Professional Fees & Permits

Engaging architects, engineers, and project managers is highly recommended for a project of this scale, especially given the space constraints. Budget around 10-15% of the construction costs for design, planning, permit applications, and management fees. (e.g., €20,000 - €70,000+).

Contingency Budget

Unforeseen issues often arise during warehouse conversions (e.g., hidden structural problems, unexpected utility upgrade needs). Allocate a contingency fund of at least 10-15% of the total construction budget to cover unexpected costs. (e.g., €20,000 - €70,000+).

Ceiling Height & Layout Optimization

Reiterating the importance: ensure the warehouse's clear ceiling height is sufficient (minimum 6-7m). Work with professionals to create a layout that maximizes the use of the 1132m², potentially using shared walkways or slightly adjusted court surrounds, while maintaining safety and playability.

Ongoing Maintenance

Padel courts require regular maintenance (turf brushing/cleaning, sand redistribution, glass cleaning, structure checks). Annual maintenance costs can range from 10% to 20% of the initial court construction cost, a significant ongoing operational expense.

Summary Cost Estimate Table

This table provides an estimated range for the total investment required, combining all elements discussed. Note that these are estimates and actual costs can vary based on location, specific choices, and market conditions.

Cost Component	Estimated Low End (€)	Estimated High End (€)
Warehouse Acquisition	€350,000	€350,000
6 Padel Courts (Construction)	€120,000	€240,000
Infrastructure & Renovation	€70,000	€180,000
Bar Setup	€20,000	€60,000
Professional Fees & Permits (Est. 10-15%)	€21,000	€72,000
Contingency (Est. 10-15%)	€21,000	€72,000
Total Estimated Project Investment	€602,000	€974,000

This suggests a likely total investment between €600,000 and €980,000 for the entire project, including the warehouse purchase.

Comparing Cost Drivers: A Visual Guide

The following chart illustrates how different factors might influence the overall cost profile of your project. It compares three hypothetical scenarios: a budget-conscious approach, a balanced mid-range build, and a premium facility. Scores (1-10) represent relative investment/focus in each area.

This visualization highlights that choices made regarding court quality, the extent of infrastructure upgrades, and the level of finish for amenities like the bar significantly impact the budget. Location can also influence labor and material costs ('Location Premiums'). Investing appropriately in professional guidance and contingency planning is crucial across all project levels.

Insights from Padel Experts

Understanding the nuances of padel court construction is key. This video features Jaime de Miguel from Padel Galis, a major court manufacturer, discussing cost factors and considerations in building padel facilities. While specific prices may vary, the principles discussed regarding materials, installation, and project scope are highly relevant.

Key takeaways often include the importance of choosing experienced suppliers, understanding the differences between court types (e.g., standard vs. panoramic), and factoring in long-term durability and maintenance when selecting materials.