ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has successfully auctioned five locations in Islamabad to set up padel tennis courts. The civic agency expects to earn around Rs7.6 million every month from the fixed rents.
According to the details, Padel tennis, a sport that combines tennis and squash, is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan. Last month, CDA had planned to hand over the sites to the lowest bidders on a profit-sharing basis.
However, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stopped the move and directed CDA to hold a new auction on a fixed rent model, instead of revenue sharing. He said that the previous model had chances of corruption.
Following the minister’s instructions, CDA held a fresh round of bidding and received a strong response from investors. The five sites were auctioned successfully, and each winning bidder will build two courts at their respective locations and run them commercially. The construction must be completed within 45 days.
According to a CDA press release, the sites are located in:
-
G-5 near Serena Hotel (Rs2.1 million/month)
-
F-8 (Rs2.1 million/month)
-
F-9 Park (Rs1.45 million/month)
-
G-11 (Rs1.1 million/month)
-
G-8 (Rs900,000/month)
—- ALSO READ —-
Islamabad High Court orders govt to dissolve CDA, transfer powers to MCI
Acting CDA Chairman Talat Mahmood Gondal and CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa expressed satisfaction with the transparent and competitive auction process. They said the project ensures the best use of public resources and will benefit the people of Islamabad.
Mr. Gondal added that the initiative supports the vision of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle by encouraging private sector investment in quality sports facilities.
The CDA had earlier set up padel courts at two other locations — F-6 and the Diplomatic Enclave — under a revenue-sharing model. An official said those contracts cannot be changed, but in the future, CDA will continue to use the fixed rent model for other sports projects, including futsal courts that will be auctioned soon.
