Why CLUBHOUSE UK Is the North West’s Most Ambitious Fitness Project Yet
Padel’s rise to mainstream popularity is more than just a viral five minutes in the sun. Figures from the LTA show participation rates more than trebled in 2024, accompanied by a major spike in public awareness and interest.
Often described as a cross between tennis and squash, the racquet sport was already huge on the continent before bouncing its way onto UK shores.
Over the last 12 months, scores of new courts have been constructed to keep pace with surging demand.
Its only rivals in the breakout fitness trend of the year category are HYROX and reformer pilates, both of which — like padel — are thriving at the intersection of popular culture and conditioning.
In Blackburn, a new state-of-the-art facility is merging the holy trinity of social play, competitive grit, and aesthetic wellness under one roof.
CLUBHOUSE UK is just days away from bringing six padel courts, a functional fitness gym, a reformer pilates studio, and a social space to a 23,000 sq ft unit in Lancashire.
Following 18 months of hard work, it’s set to make a big statement in the UK’s fitness scene and bring a taste of virality to the North West.
Here’s what you need to know.
CLUBHOUSE UK: Everything You Need to Know
Dan Wilkins is the man behind the unique concept. Explaining why he decided to embark on the new venture, he said:
“CLUBHOUSE UK is where sport, lifestyle and community collide.
“We’ve brought together padel, functional fitness and a social experience under one roof, in a space designed to inspire people to move.
“We can’t wait to open our doors after over 18 months of research and development and hard work from our team to ensure CLUBHOUSE UK is the best experience it can be.”
Those six padel courts are undoubtedly the pearls of CLUBHOUSE UK. Broken down as one singles court and five doubles, each arena is made with panoramic glass, high-spec turf, and upgraded lighting for the ultimate play experience.
The functional fitness gym is HYROX-affiliated, meaning weekly classes can tap into the race format’s tools and programming.
Speaking of classes, several already pad out CLUBHOUSE UK’s schedule, including strength- and engine-focussed offerings, alongside ‘Saturday Send’ — a 90-minute powerhouse session fusing multiple HYROX elements.
Free training is also available, with equipment including:
- Plate-loaded machines
- Free-standing rig
- 4 x 15m sled tracks
- SkiErg machines
- 500m running space
- Free weights area
For one-on-one coaching, CLUBHOUSE UK has assembled a crack team of personal trainers to whip you into shape.
Membership Options
Considering the specialised features, memberships start at a more than reasonable £20. That gets you off-peak gym access and use of the shower and changing facilities — all without a fixed contract.
The full monty, priced at £80 per month, includes unlimited classes, full gym access, plus the usual perks.
Padel courts are available to book via Playtomic, with equipment hire also an option.
When Does it Open?
CLUBHOUSE UK is making its debut with a huge weekend of celebrations across Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21.
The padel courts will be open for play, while four exclusive gym sessions will give current and prospective members a glimpse at the gym set-up.
There’ll also be a DJ to soundtrack the event and food from local vendors.
Following the official ribbon-cutting on September 22, CLUBHOUSE UK will be open for business 6am–11pm daily.
Where is CLUBHOUSE UK?
CLUBHOUSE UK is located at Unit 1 Peel Centre, Blackburn, BB1 3NT. For more information, head to the official website.
