Dear fellow padel players,

Since you were good enough to support this petition directed at the Harbour Club managers and owners, the least I can do is provide an update on its progress. 

After some unexpected (and unwanted) press attention, and a little whatsapp drama, the club did recognise the petition - and the members' strength of feeling around the lack of court availability. I had a meeting with the club's new general manager, Steve Bullock. 

Steve was affable and zero-ego, which was appreciated. Here's a summary of what we discussed: 

• Steve confirmed that the team at TDR (the private-equity owners of the Harbour Club/David Lloyd) were aware of our petition, and weren't dismissive of it. 
• He said that whilst he can't provide any 'official' update on more padel facilities, he suggested that if the club is able to renew their lease, it would likely be high on the priorities list to create at least 3 more courts. 
• Along similar lines, if the club renews the lease, there is a pencilled plan in place for heavy investment into the Harbour Club more widely, as it's considered by TDR to be 'a jewel in the crown of the David Lloyd estate'.

Separate from my conversation with Steve, I had a chat with a senior manager at the club, who told me 'off-record' that TDR are extremely close to agreeing terms for a new lease on the site. It sounded like they thought it could be weeks or months at most, but I guess you never know with commercial property until the deal is done. 

Anyhow, thanks again for your support. As subliminally pointed out by the Daily Mail - it's not quite famine or a refugee crisis, but I'm glad we've hopefully encouraged the owners that bit more, to invest in the sport we all love! 

All the best,

Andy Shovel