In the vibrant heart of Waterfall City, a new chapter of community engagement and wellness unfolds with the opening of Mall of Africa’s newest lifestyle addition, padel courts. This initiative led by Attacq Limited and Balwin Properties, is more than just a fun sports facility. It is a testament to Attacq’s commitment to creating smart, safe and sustainable community spaces that offer remarkable experiences.
Nestled atop the iconic Mall of Africa, these six new padel courts embody the spirit of innovation and enjoyment. Padel, a sport that has captivated millions worldwide, is an upbeat mixture of tennis, squash and badminton which is now set to enrich the diverse array of leisure activities available at Waterfall City.
The sport’s history adds a layer of cultural richness to its introduction at the mall. Originating in Mexico in the late 1960s and booming across Spanish-speaking nations, padel has seen a meteoric rise in global popularity over the past decade. It offers an inclusive, social game that appeals to all ages, providing a perfect fit for Attacq’s vision of community spaces that bring people together and foster connections.
Slated to launch in the first week of September 2024, the Balwin Padel courts at Mall of Africa feature four covered and two open-air courts, ensuring an all-weather facility that encourages active living regardless of the season. The choice to place these courts in such a central location reflects Attacq’s strategic approach to enhance non-gross lettable area (GLA) income, while simultaneously offering new and exciting ways to engage and entertain.
Johann Fourie, General Manager of Mall of Africa, shares his enthusiasm, “Introducing padel courts is part of our ongoing effort to provide a holistic, enjoyable experience for our community. It complements our extensive retail offerings and aligns with our goal to make Waterfall City a top live-work-play destination in Gauteng.”
The courts also serve as the home for the Balwin Padel Club, providing structured activities such as tournaments with attractive prizes, coaching clinics led by renowned players like Willy Lahoz and social events that emphasise fun and community spirit. These facilities are not just about sport but about creating an environment where safety, enjoyment, and community well-being are paramount.
This venture is underpinned by Attacq’s belief in hope and purpose, striving to enrich the lives of those who visit or reside in Waterfall City. The padel courts are envisioned as a place where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and healthy lifestyles are nurtured.
As padel continues to grow in popularity, boasting more than 100 000 players across South Africa alone, Attacq’s Mall of Africa is poised to become a central hub for this exciting sport. With plans to expand these offerings to more locations, Attacq is dedicated to enhancing community engagement and ensuring that every visit to our precincts is memorable, fulfilling and above all, enjoyable.
Sidebar: Pronouncing “pah-dehl”
A nod to its roots: Padel not a paddling sport
As padel takes its rightful place in South Africa’s sporting landscape, a light-hearted debate accompanies it: How to pronounce padel? While variations abound, the preferred pronunciation at Attacq is “pah-dehl”, with emphasis on the second syllable, acknowledging its Spanish origins and distinguishing it from similar-sounding sports, such as paddling. This subtle nod to its cultural roots adds to the rich tapestry of experiences offered at Waterfall City, ensuring that every aspect of our community space respects and celebrates diversity.Listen here how to pronounce padel as pah-dehl: https://www.spanishdict.com/translate/pah-dehl