- A private project born from a municipal call for proposals
- Where would the padel complex in Hotton be built?
- Beyond the courts: a leisure ‘destination’
- The crux of the matter: acoustics and local acceptance
- A “racket hub” taking shape with tennis
- What this changes for players in the region
- Key takeaways
- Sources and useful links
A private project born from a municipal call for proposals
The scenario has become common in municipalities where demand is exploding: the supply of courts can no longer keep up, clubs are full, and players are driving around to find courts. In Hotton, the municipality has chosen to act by launching a call for projects to develop a municipal plot dedicated to covered padel courts. The proposal put forward by Marc Raskin, an entrepreneur from the region, was selected, with the support of ‘local’ investors or those linked to the municipality.
The central idea: to establish a site capable of accommodating regular play, including in winter, with six double courts indoors. A format consistent with what works elsewhere: high game volume, available slots, and the possibility of eventually hosting a small club life (lessons, tournaments, interclub, events).
Where would the padel complex in Hotton be built?
The targeted site is located at the exit of Hotton, in the direction of Barvaux, behind the former Allmat store and near Rue Saint-Roch. The location is presented as relatively open, with the nearest dwelling more than a hundred meters away, according to the information provided. This is a significant point: padel, even indoors, must now anticipate the issue of local residents, particularly regarding accessibility and noise.
2,500 m², a budget of around 3 million euros
The building mentioned would be around 2,500 m² for an announced budget close to 3 million euros (amount communicated as subject to change). At this stage, the timeline remains cautious: opening is envisioned late 2028 at the earliest, and the permit application has not yet been submitted.
Beyond the courts: a leisure ‘destination’
Padel is no longer limited to four glass walls and a net. The Hotton project fits into this ‘complex’ logic, with additional facilities mentioned: changing rooms, cafeteria, spaces for meetings and team-building activities, outdoor terrace, parking lots… and even the installation of golf simulators. A hybrid proposal targeting a dual audience: regular players and a more occasional clientele (businesses, groups, sports after-work events).
24/7: promise of access… and need for precautions
Another notable element: accessibility could be very broad, potentially 24/7 depending on demand. On paper, this is a strong argument for players juggling work and family life. In practice, this imposes high demands on flow management (night arrivals, lighting, parking) and, above all, on acoustics.
The crux of the matter: acoustics and local acceptance
Padel carries a sensitive issue: sound impact (ball impacts, resonances, doors, movements). Here, the architect in charge of the project has already emphasized technical solutions designed to limit disturbances: structure, insulation, materials capable of ‘containing’ noise and reducing propagation. An acoustic study is mentioned as a key step, and the municipality states it will remain attentive to respecting local residents.
In short: the project will not only depend on public enthusiasm. It will also depend on the quality of the construction, the actual operating hours, and how the site functions daily.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Six double courts announced, indoors, to maximize availability in all seasons. |
| Location | Site envisioned at the exit of Hotton towards Barvaux, with an announced distance from the nearest dwellings. |
| Comfort | Changing rooms and cafeteria space mentioned, with a ‘life center’ approach rather than simple court rental. |
| Acoustics | Technical measures and study mentioned to limit disturbances, a decisive factor for the permit. |
| Energy | Installation of photovoltaic panels announced to move towards energy autonomy for the building. |
A “racket hub” taking shape with tennis
The padel project does not exist in isolation. In parallel, the municipality is working on a subsidy request via Infrasport to develop two covered tennis courts on the site of the former football field, where outdoor facilities already exist. The ultimate goal would be to structure a broader ‘racket’ hub, connected to slow lanes and conceived as a true sports anchor point.
What this changes for players in the region
Along the Rochefort-Marche-Ciney axis, the padel offering has intensified. But at the Hotton-Rendeux-Durbuy-Erezée scale, many players still have to travel further to find an available slot. If the complex comes to fruition, the impact could be immediate:
- more availability in the evenings and in winter thanks to the covered facilities;
- fewer trips to play during the week;
- a potential venue for lessons, local leagues, and amateur tournaments;
- possible competition on prices… but also a boost in services (coaching, events, hospitality).
Key takeaways
- A six-court indoor complex is planned in Hotton, led by Marc Raskin and local investors.
- The project aims for an opening in late 2028 at the earliest, but the permit has not yet been submitted.
- Local acceptance will depend on serious management of acoustics and usage, especially if access extends to extended hours.
- In parallel, the municipality is pushing a project for two covered tennis courts, towards a structured racket hub.
As often, the announcement kicks off the dynamic… but the follow-up will depend on administrative and technical milestones. For players and residents, three questions will be decisive:
- The permit: timeline, potential conditions, project adaptations.
- Acoustics: selected solutions, study results, operating procedures (actual hours, access management).
- The model: pricing, booking, activities, integration of a padel school, local partnerships.
Meanwhile, Hotton joins the list of municipalities betting on padel as a sporting… and economic lever. An exciting promise for local players, provided the project succeeds in terms of authorizations and community living.
