Improvements underway at The Leisure Centre and Playing Fields in Woodside

Watford will soon welcome an exciting new sporting experience as PadelStars introduces five state-of-the-art padel tennis courts at Woodside Playing Fields, on the former Owls Bowls Club site. The canopy has already been installed, and the courts are currently being constructed, with the new facility expected to open in April.

Padel is the UK’s fastest-growing sport, combining elements of tennis and squash. Played on a smaller court with walls as part of the game, it is easy to learn, fun for all ages and typically played in doubles, making it a great way to stay active and social.

The new venue will include two open-air courts and three covered floodlit courts built to international standards, alongside a refurbished clubhouse with toilets, changing rooms and a café-bar for players and visitors. More details and booking information can be found at padelstars.co.uk.

Alongside this new sporting offer, Woodside Leisure Centre will also see a major £600,000 investment to transform the centre’s fitness facilities and enhance the overall experience for members. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday 30 March 2026 and will represent the first major refurbishment of the leisure centre since 2018.

The project will include a complete refresh of the gym with brand new state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment. Every area of the gym, from functional training and free weights to resistance and cardio equipment, will be expanded and improved, giving members access to a wider range of training options.

The work is expected to be completed in spring 2026 and during the refurbishment, a temporary gym will be installed in the sports hall to ensure members can continue accessing a range of equipment while the work takes place.

Further improvements have also been made across Woodside Playing Fields, including repairs to sections of the perimeter path, relocating the bin near the water fountain and improving the surface in that area, enhancing ground conditions beneath seating areas, and installing a safety barrier at the bottom of the zig-zag path to help prevent cyclists and children from entering the road unexpectedly.

The toilet block at Woodside Athletic Stadium has also been refurbished this year, alongside a new drinking fountain by the footpath. These build on improvements delivered last year, including a fully accessible Changing Places facility and another water fountain, helping ensure the area continues to provide high-quality facilities for sport, recreation and community use.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “It's fantastic to see so many improvements taking place in Woodside. These projects will make a real difference for residents.

 

"We want people of all ages to be able to enjoy high-quality facilities that help them stay active, healthy and connected. These improvements will help ensure Woodside continues to be a great place for sport, recreation and community activity.”

Iain Milton, contract manager at Everyone Active which manages Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside, operating as an agent for Watford Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to see work getting underway on these exciting improvements at Woodside.

 

“The investment in the gym will provide members with a fantastic range of new and modern equipment, helping us support people of all ages and abilities to stay active. We’re proud to be part of a centre that continues to evolve and offer even more opportunities for the local community to enjoy sport and fitness.”