JAMES ROSE believes Game4Padel’s new Instantpadel installation at Tower Hill The Crescent is a perfect example of how good things can be made in a limited space.
Our latest installation is part of the Central London Alliance initiative which will put the cricket ground center stage for a 3 month festival in central London from 29th April to 14th July.
Originally built during the Georgian era between 1767 and 1774, the Crescent was almost completely destroyed during the Blitz of World War II and rebuilt in the 1960s, replicating the famous Georgian architect George Dance ) designed the iconic original building.
Now, thanks to our partnership with the CLA, the historic Tower Hill address will have a vibrant new sporting life and Game4Padel’s National Development Manager admits he is delighted with the prospect.
James said: “It’s really exciting that Game4Padel will be able to work with CLA to install the Instantpadel modular court in Tower Hill Crescent. We are located in front of the Tower Suites, which is a part of the Blue Orchid Hotels. Five star hotel, an iconic venue from which you can see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
“Central London Alliance was forward-thinking and innovative when they built their cricket ground for the 3-month festival in central London, just outside Tower Hill tube station (District and Circle lines), Tower Gateway (DLR) This means the pitch is very accessible, offering city workers, tourists and residents the chance to play and try cricket.
“On Thursday we launched some introductory lessons and games for our stakeholders and clients, and without a doubt this is another big step forward in getting padel out there.
“The course will be on site at the CLA’s Padel Festival, which runs until July 14th – they’re promoting corporate leagues and holding events for the local community, but the course is also available to the public via their website www. Book at londonloveaffair.com.
“The CLA has remodeled The Crescent with landscaping around the pitch, seating and a bar terrace so people can sit and watch a paddock match and maybe have a drink on one of the great nights coming up this summer.
“G4P’s temporary 3-day pitch in Westfield London’s central atrium last November was huge, but now CLA’s cool pitch at The Crescent will show that you can make great things happen even when space is limited.”
It will be the first time the City of London has hosted cricket, considered the fastest growing sport in the world.
The pop-up store was brought to the City of London by the Central London Alliance in partnership with Aldgate Connect, the Eastern City Business Improvement District (EC BID) and Blue Orchid Hospitality, with the aim of attracting foot traffic to the City of London and encouraging people to Spend and stay while in London. low season, and assist the city’s economic recovery.
The Padel Tennis Festival is held in support of the City of London Corporation’s Destination Cities initiative, which aims to transform leisure offerings in the City of London, and of course the temporary padel courts are provided by Game4Padel, the UK’s largest padel operator. Game4Padel will also work with the Central London Alliance to help drive access to the courts in the local community.
Reflecting on the success of the Game4Padel launch day introductory session, James admits that he found the experience both incredible and inspiring: “At the introductory session on Thursday, none of the stakeholders had played padel before, but you brought them Take this journey and tell them: “You’ll be playing in 15 minutes! They look at you like it’s impossible.
“Then they have the racket in their hand, they make contact with the ball, the smile comes and then they start the journey and you can’t get them off the pitch!
“It’s very rewarding to keep seeing this kind of reaction, but it’s also what attracts non-players to padel, because they immediately have fun, feel good and enjoy life with a smile on their face, which is what padel brings to people.”
Tony Matharu, founder and chairman of Central London Alliance and Blue Orchid Hospitality, has no doubts about the value of the three-month padel tennis festival to the City of London, saying: “The start Our Padel Tennis Festival is just the beginning. Padel, like all sports, has the power to unite, overcome obstacles and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. We hope our cricket ground will be the newest venue for staff and visitors to London A place to be part of the pioneering spirit, have fun in the city, and form lasting relationships all summer long and beyond.
“I am delighted that the BID, partners and supporters of the Central London Alliance have come together to join us in our event; encouraging the public to revisit the City of London, increasing their stay and assisting London’s economic recovery whilst developing an inspiring and a vibrant destination and enhance the city’s attractiveness.”
Commenting on behalf of Aldgate Connect and EC BID, Ruth Duston, OBE, OC, MD, Primera, said: “City BID is committed to delivering events and facilities that drive foot traffic per square mile. The launch of the Padel Tennis Festival is our latest investment , designed to maintain momentum and continue to develop an inspiring and vibrant destination for city workers, residents and visitors.
“The city has a long history of pioneering new initiatives, so bringing padel to the Square Mile follows that tradition. We’re excited to welcome a whole new audience to the Square Mile.”
Wendy Hyde, chair of the City of London’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said: “Paddle tennis is great fun for all the family and is growing in popularity. We are delighted to welcome it to the Coming to the city, we knew it was going to be a must-see event.”
