
A first-of-its-kind event that bridges two dynamic industries—real estate and padel—successfully launched last week with the debut of Property+Padel at Padium, Canary Wharf. Co-founded by Chartered Surveyor Rohit Grewal and Padel 22’s Ben Nichols, the event gathered leading voices from both sectors to explore collaboration, address pressing challenges, and spark innovation.
Connecting Property and Padel
The Property+Padel event created a unique platform for real estate investors, property developers, and padel industry leaders to network and exchange ideas. Discussions revolved around challenges like planning regulations and land acquisition—key hurdles for padel operators looking to expand into urban spaces.
Attendees included industry professionals from across the globe, eager to address what is being referred to as the UK’s “planning issue” and explore opportunities where real estate and padel intersect. The event exemplified the growing influence of padel beyond its traditional markets and showcased the potential of integrating the sport into post-pandemic property development.
Highlights and Key Presentations
The event opened with a captivating session by Padium CEO Houman Ashrafzadeh and Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group, who discussed integrating padel into urban spaces. Their presentation focused on how padel can be instrumental in reshaping real estate projects post-pandemic, creating new opportunities for developers.
One of the standout moments came during a panel discussion led by co-founder Ben Nichols, featuring Alan Flatt, CEO of EEP Capital and a leading figure in U.S. padel investment. Flatt shared insights into the sport’s explosive growth in the U.S. and highlighted future investment opportunities, energizing the audience with his outlook on the global expansion of padel.
Additional presentations included:
- Pierfrancesco Iazeolla (WSB Sport) and Gareth Evans (Padel Ventures), who discussed their “Plan, Build & Profit” joint venture aimed at supporting the development of profitable padel clubs in the UK.
- Harry Wright (Searchland), who introduced innovative Proptech solutions to simplify site acquisition, revolutionizing how padel operators can identify off-market sites and expedite development.
A Transformative Networking Opportunity
Beyond discussions and presentations, attendees were invited onto the padel courts for a high-energy session led by former UK No. 1 Jorge Martinez. Real estate professionals had the chance to experience the game firsthand, further cementing the link between property and sport.
Looking Ahead to the U.S. Expansion
The event concluded with co-founders Grewal and Nichols reflecting on the successful debut and revealing plans for Property+Padel’s first U.S. event. Set to take place at Padel United Sports Club in New Jersey on January 22, 2025, this event aims to replicate the energy and collaboration of the London debut on American soil.
“We are delighted with the response to the very first Property+Padel,” Grewal and Nichols shared. “The event felt like a pivotal moment for both sectors. Real estate is evolving, and padel has enormous potential to be part of that journey. We are grateful to our hosts at Padium and to all the speakers and sponsors who made this event possible. We’re excited to build on this momentum and will announce more plans for 2025 soon.”
About Property+Padel
Property+Padel brings together professionals from the real estate and padel industries to foster collaboration, drive investment, and unlock new development opportunities. Through engaging panel discussions, expert presentations, and networking events, Property+Padel explores the intersection of sports culture and urban planning, positioning padel as a transformative force in property development. If you are interested in hosting a future event, contact the team at: info@property-padel.com
With its innovative approach and focus on collaboration, Property+Padel is poised to become a leading platform for professionals across both industries, setting the stage for further growth and transformation in the years to come.
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