Kent Welcomes Premier £3 Million Indoor Padel Hub as Aylesford Complex Launches First Courts

A New Sporting Heart for Kent

There is a fresh buzz in the air at Larkfield Mill in Aylesford, as the community celebrates the arrival of a significant new destination for health and social connection. Nestled near Maidstone, this expansive site has just opened its doors, marking a major milestone for local residents looking to embrace one of the UK’s fastest-growing inclusive racquet sports. This £3 million development serves as more than just a venue; it is a meticulously designed space intended to foster grassroots fitness and active wellbeing across the region. With the first phase of the project now welcoming the public, the atmosphere is electric, signaling a new chapter for the local area as it positions itself at the forefront of the modern sporting landscape. The facility stands as the most ambitious project to date for Square One Padel, the growing leisure operator founded by Sam De Haan. Since the company’s inception, which saw an initial venue open in Ashford back in 2024, the organisation has been on a rapid upward trajectory. Following the successful launch of their second location at Dolphin Park in Sittingbourne earlier this year in May 2026, this latest expansion into Aylesford represents their largest site yet. It is a clear statement of intent, proving that the demand for high-quality, accessible sporting facilities is stronger than ever.

Serving Up Innovation on Court

For those eager to get involved, the initial rollout at Larkfield Mill is impressive. The first phase has officially launched with seven state-of-the-art indoor padel courts, all available for immediate use. Padel, known for its inclusive and social nature, has captured the imagination of the nation, and these new indoor courts ensure that the sport can be enjoyed regardless of the unpredictable British weather. The logistics have been kept seamless for local players; all bookings are managed digitally through the Playtomic mobile app, allowing enthusiasts to secure their time on the court with ease. The pricing structure has been designed with accessibility in mind, with doubles courts available at £32 per hour and singles courts priced at £20 per hour. This careful approach to accessibility is central to the vision of Square One Padel, ensuring that the sport remains a viable and welcoming option for everyone from seasoned competitors to complete beginners. The sheer scale of the operation is a testament to how far the sport has come, offering a professional-grade experience that elevates the standard of indoor leisure in Kent.

A Vision for Holistic Wellbeing

While the seven padel courts currently dominate the landscape, they represent merely the beginning of an ambitious masterplan. The vision for the Aylesford complex extends far beyond the racquet sport, as Square One Padel aims to create a holistic hub that touches every aspect of community health. Looking toward the forthcoming phases of development, the site is set to transform into a multi-faceted wellness campus. A planned 10,000-square-foot commercial gym will soon arrive, fully equipped to cater to diverse fitness regimes, including dedicated spaces for Hyrox, comprehensive cardio equipment, and heavy-duty weightlifting zones. This focus on performance is balanced by a commitment to mindfulness and recovery. Future additions will include professional-standard reformer and mat Pilates studios, providing a sanctuary for those looking to improve flexibility and core strength. Perhaps most exciting is the dedicated wellness recovery wing, which promises to bring elite-level amenities to the public, including cryotherapy chambers, ice baths, and soothing saunas. By integrating these high-performance recovery tools with social amenities, including a 200-seat restaurant, a bar, co-working spaces, and versatile meeting rooms, the development is set to become a cornerstone of daily life in Aylesford.

A Bright Future for Kent

The momentum behind Square One Padel shows no signs of slowing down, with further projects, such as the planned facility at Unit 20 Mountfield in New Romney, already in the pipeline. This strategy of expanding across the region reflects a deep-seated belief in the power of shared physical activity to bring people together. By transforming sites like Larkfield Mill into vibrant, multi-purpose hubs, Sam De Haan and his team are doing more than just building sports venues; they are cultivating environments where friendships are formed, health goals are achieved, and local communities are strengthened. As the remaining three courts—bringing the total count to ten—prepare to join the already thriving venue, the residents of Aylesford and the wider Kent area have much to look forward to. This £3 million investment is a beacon of optimism, demonstrating how thoughtful development can provide the space, infrastructure, and atmosphere necessary to inspire a more active, connected, and healthy society. Whether you are a padel fanatic, a gym-goer, or simply someone looking for a new place to meet, work, and recover, the future of leisure at Larkfield Mill looks exceptionally bright.