Thermae Sports officially opened six indoor padel courts in Merchtem at the end of August, behind its complex at Kwekelaarstraat 4. The project, announced on 26 February 2026, was originally scheduled for completion by the end of June. The hall opened about two months later, with all six indoor courts now in service.
The extension takes the centre to nine padel courts: six indoor and three outdoor, two of which are covered. Thermae Sports accepts both members and non-members. For visitors, the listed rate is €8 per person for 90 minutes during off-peak hours and €12 during peak hours, according to the club’s official racket sports information.
Six indoor padel courts with 9.5 metres of clear height
The new building measures 36 by 48 metres. It reaches 10.5 metres at the ridge and provides 9.5 metres of height at court level. Thermae Sports chose terracotta-coloured playing surfaces with white structures. For padel players, the 9.5-metre clearance also gives high lobs considerably more room than in many converted indoor spaces.
Thermae Sports owner Etienne Van Der Zypen explained the energy choice at the opening in a statement published by Nieuwsblad. The quote below is translated from Dutch.
“Thermae Sports chose geothermal energy to heat and cool the new padel hall.”
Geothermal energy, solar panels and 360,000 litres of water storage
The geothermal system supplies underfloor heating during colder periods and cooling in summer. The project also includes solar panels across the roof and a 360,000-litre reservoir underneath the hall. The tank collects rainwater from the new padel building as well as the rest of the sports complex.
Construction started at the end of February with the stated aim of meeting regional demand and increasing available playing slots. The new indoor courts are particularly relevant in a site that previously relied on three outdoor courts, even though two were covered. Merchtem now has six fully indoor courts at Thermae Sports, while the overall padel capacity at the club rises to nine courts.
Non-members can book through the club’s reservation system, while padel court use is included in the membership package for members. The opening therefore changes both capacity and year-round availability at the Merchtem site, with six additional courts protected from weather conditions.
