A redevelopment project in South Bermondsey has recently seen the transformation of a historic warehouse into a modern multipurpose sporting venue. Padel Box, developed by architects Morrow + Lorraine with Civic Engineers, is a five-court Paddle Ball complex designed to bring community together through accessible sport. The multi-purpose facility also hosts a cafe, a bar, and a retail space, making it a hub for activity and local engagement.

Originally built in the 1930s, the 14,000 ft² warehouse site was once an old Victorian trading merchant, located alongside a canal which has since been filled in. Over the last century, the building has been used for various industrial purposes; some of the material remains were left behind and have been used, when possible, in the renovation of the space. The large, utilitarian building, with its exposed steel trusses and vast open areas, was well-suited for transformation into a modern space for sport, wellness, and community.

Civic Engineers conducted a structural assessment to ensure the existing structure could support its new function. Our goal was to maximise the potential of the existing structure while minimising the need for extensive modifications. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, employing a ‘box-in-box’ concept that allows the new structure to operate independently while making use of the existing slab as a foundation. This involved removing internal blockwork and redundant steel elements to create a more open and accessible space. 

The design of the new structure uses timber as the primary construction material, with reused steel beams and columns providing additional support under the mezzanine. The decision to retain as much of the original structure as possible preserves the industrial character of the building, while incorporating sustainable construction methods. 

The principle of accessibility underscored the entire Padel Box renovation. Inspired by the accessibility of the game itself – there was an effort to open that scope even further, maximising accessibility of the space. In order to do this, we installed ramps instead of stairs, widened doorways for wheelchair access and integrated soundboards for those with limited vision. These thoughtful decisions ensured that the facility would be accessible to players of all abilities, aligning with our commitment to making the space as inclusive as possible.

J-J Lorraine, co-founder of Morrow + Lorraine says “The Padel Box project is a testament to the value of adaptive reuse. Not only did we focus on reusing as many materials as possible, we also created a flexible and sustainable design that could be adapted in the future. Already, the facility has exceeded expectations in terms of performance, encouraging us to look for more opportunities to repurpose underused spaces for accessible sport.”

Gareth Atkinson, director in our London studio, adds: “Padel box exemplifies how thoughtful engineering and design can transform a redundant building into a thriving, sustainable community space. Through careful assessment, material reuse, and thoughtful design solutions, we’ve created a space that not only meets the needs of sport and wellness but also fosters social cohesion and inclusivity.”