For cities and municipalities

Public value with clearly allocated responsibility.

Padel can be a visible, cross-generational sports offering for cities and municipalities. To avoid budget or procurement risk, location, operator role, public access, noise, state aid and contract model must be considered together early.

This page is planning guidance and not legal advice. Procurement, state-aid and contract questions must be checked under municipal law. View methodology and limits.

Three municipal models

From municipal operation to leasehold.

The right path depends on budget position, sports-development concept, land, procurement route and desired public access.

Model A: municipal operation

The municipality builds and operates itself

Advantage: full public access. Disadvantage: operating risk stays in the budget, staffing need of 0.5 to 1 FTE.

Model B: concession

Municipality builds, operator leases

The operator takes over key duties; the municipality secures lease, public access times and quality criteria contractually. Procurement and concession value must be checked.

Model C: leasehold

Private party builds on municipal land

The municipality keeps ownership of the land and grants leasehold rights for 30 to 99 years. Lowest budget burden. Secure public benefits by contract clause.

Procurement law

Thresholds and procedures.

Procurement and state-aid law are project-dependent. The most important review points should be aligned early with procurement office, legal advisers and specialist planners.

scaleConstruction service and contract value: Depending on the model, national or EU procurement rules may become relevant. Scope of services, contracting-authority role and value calculation are decisive.
handshakeConcession value: For operator or lease models, not only the construction price matters, but depending on structure also the expected revenue over the term. This must be calculated cleanly before tendering.
visibilityState-aid law: Lease, ground rent, grants and benefits must be market-based and documented. Market-value or viability evidence may be required.
groups_3Public participation: Early involvement of clubs, neighbours and politics reduces conflicts, especially around noise, opening hours and public access.

Evaluation matrix

Which location makes sense for a municipality?

Seven criteria for quick pre-evaluation. If several are robustly met, a structured concept review is worthwhile.

where_to_voteIs the location in a sports- or commercial-adjacent environment? Residential proximity, noise and zoning plan must be checked early.
commuteIs the location easy to reach? Public transport, cycle paths, parking and accessibility influence acceptance and use.
sports_tennisAre there clubs or schools as co-users? Local partners can strengthen utilization, acceptance and operating concept.
groupsIs the catchment area large enough? Population, travel time and existing sports offerings determine whether indoor, outdoor or cooperation is more sensible.
volume_upCan noise conflicts be managed? Distance, usage times, lighting and possible noise assessment belong in the early site review.
moneyAre utilities and upfront financing clarified? Municipal upfront work can arise even in operator or leasehold models.
campaignIs there political commitment for a realistic timeline? Land, procurement, public communication and permits need reliable responsibilities.

Next step

We review your sports-development concept together.

Bring your location, preferred model and key points of the sports-development concept. We check which procurement, state-aid, noise and budget questions should be clarified first.

forum Request initial consultation fact_check Check permits first