Padel Courts at The Frogmill | Shipton Oliffe, UK
A Project By: Denise Gooding | Forde Architecture
Project Summary –
Nestled in the Cotswold National Landscape within the ownership boundary of The Frogmill, this project introduces two open-air padel courts and enhanced landscaping to the historic Grade II Listed Pub and Inn. Developed by Mitch Powis with Panatlantic Consultancy Limited on behalf of Brakspear, the scheme sensitively integrates modern wellness facilities into the heritage setting. By revitalising under-utilised land, the project supports the hotel’s economic sustainability while respecting its significant architectural character.
Key Project Details –
- Project Type: Hospitality and Sports Leisure.
- Site Area: 0.34 hectares.
- Listing Status: Grade II Listed Buildings (The Frogmill Inn and Bridge over River Coln).
- Core Materials: Green artificial turf, 3m high clear tempered glass, and green metal framing.
- Sustainability: Projected Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of 13.49% for area units and 526.36% for linear units.
- Key Features: Two 10m x 20m courts, a 34-space gravel car park, and inclusive accessibility. ·
Design Concept –
The design philosophy at The Frogmill centres on providing a “reason to visit” that harmonises with the site’s rich history. Originally a working mill until it was transformed into a coaching inn during the 1600s, the estate was extensively refurbished after 2016 and now operates as a 28-bedroom hotel and restaurant. The introduction of padel tennis—a fast-paced, social racket sport—aims to attract a wider demographic and encourage longer guest stays by offering an engaging alternative to traditional hotel gyms.
Strategically placed to the west of the estate, the courts occupy land primarily used for overflow car parking. This location ensures the new infrastructure is appropriately distant from the Grade II Listed Inn and the Bridge over the River Coln, maintaining the tranquil character of the primary heritage assets while providing a modern physical activity a short walk away.
Architecture and Materials –
In an environment as sensitive as the Cotswold National Landscape, material choice is paramount. The padel courts utilise a muted palette, featuring green metal frameworks and matching green artificial turf to remain sympathetic to the surrounding area. To maintain visual permeability, the “rebound ends” of the courts are constructed from 3m high clear tempered glass and wire mesh, allowing the structures to feel integrated rather than obstructive.
The lighting strategy further emphasizes this sensitivity. Angled, shielded luminaires on 4m posts ensure playability until 9pm while minimising light spill into the surrounding countryside. The car park layout has also been refined; the existing unmarked gravel expanse will be structured into 34 spaces interspersed with landscape planting, which visually breaks up the parking area and represents an aesthetic improvement over the current baseline.
Sustainability and Recreation –
Beyond the recreational benefits, the project is a driver for ecological enhancement. While the development requires the removal of seven immature ornamental trees, the scheme mitigates this with the planting of 19 new trees and extensive native hedgerows. This approach results in a significant Biodiversity Net Gain, delivering an enhancement to the overall green infrastructure and habitat connectivity.
Innovation is also seen in the water management strategy. The revised car park will utilise permeable construction to mimic existing ground conditions. For the impermeable court surfaces, a dedicated Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) system—incorporating either soakaways or restricted discharge to the River Coln—will manage runoff, ensuring the development accounts for the predicted effects of climate change.
Community and Impact –
While primarily serving hotel patrons, the project is designed with inclusivity at its core. Padel is inherently accessible to various ages and abilities, including wheelchair users. To support this, the development includes two dedicated tarmac-surfaced accessible parking spaces and specialized walkways to facilitate disabled access.
Economically, the courts provide The Frogmill with a competitive advantage, distinguishing the inn from its competitors. By increasing hotel occupancy rates and attracting local patrons as spectators, the project secures the stability of the existing employment offer and supports the wider tourism economy within the Cotswolds.
With Credit to:
Amanda Stobbs, Evans Jones Planning Consultants | Katie Munday, Ethos Environmental Planning
Ed Gant, Lichen Studio | Ryan, DFL, Lighting Design | Tom Luck, All Silva, Arboricultural Consultant
Kris Tovey, K-Ten Consulting Ltd, Drainage and Flood
