Courts Out, Café In? Peel’s Plans for Marine Parade Venue Take Shape

Peel could soon be getting a brand-new community hub, complete with a café, fancy loos, and a function room big enough for a decent-sized knees-up — all on the site of the town’s former tennis courts on Marine Parade.

Originally unveiled in late 2023, Peel Commissioners have now served up fresh details about their big plans for the underused courts, which sit at the northeastern end of the promenade, just above the bowling green.

If it all goes ahead, the space could be transformed into a multi-purpose venue with a 260-person capacity and 10 new staff.

The latest design drawings show a large function room capable of hosting up to 150 people, along with indoor and outdoor seating, public toilets, and a new base for the bowling club.

Essentially, it’s a one-stop shop for locals, visitors, and anyone in need of a cuppa and a wee.

The courts in question have gone from two to one over the years and, according to the Commissioners, have been more tumbleweed than top-spin lately.

The site’s been empty since the Bowling Green Café closed its doors last July, with the owner announcing online: ‘It is with great sadness that I am informing you that I have decided not to take on the lease of the café again.’

Earlier this year, the Commissioners asked locals what they thought of the new plans — and the results are in.

92% said yes please to new toilets (Peel knows its priorities), while 75% fancied a new café in the mix too.

Only a few — mostly businesses — felt the proposals might be a bit of a ‘duplication’ of what’s already on offer.

But crucially, the two closest neighbours — a B&B and the Bowling Green Club — have both given it the thumbs up.

Commissioners’ Clerk Derek Sewell said the response was encouraging, and the plans are now moving into the next phase — subject to the usual approvals, of course.

So, if you’re dreaming of a seafront brew with a loo and room to boogie, Peel might just deliver the goods.