The padel court in Victoria Road, Claremont is nearing completion
The rapid growth of padel courts across Cape Town has sparked growing tensions between residents, developers and the City of Cape Town, with some communities welcoming the sport's popularity while others argue that the facilities are fundamentally changing the character of their neighbourhoods.
At the centre of the latest dispute is a new padel development under construction at 34 Queen Victoria Road in Claremont, where residents living alongside the historic Villagers Rugby Club say they fear their once-quiet residential environment will soon be transformed by constant noise, increased traffic and bright floodlights.
For resident Zara Langford, the issue goes beyond sport.
"The real problem is, why is the City allowing private commercial enterprises to use open land?" she asked.
