'More than a sports facility': Dungannon brothers invest millions to transform former Belfast Ulster Tatler HQ

Two Dungannon brothers are investing millions of pounds in Belfast to transform the former Ulster Tatler headquarters on Boucher Road into a new lifestyle destination combining sport, wellness and hospitality.

FEAT4, developed by brothers Charlie and Edward Conroy, is due to open in mid-October and will create 15 jobs.

The venue aims to offer a modern “third place” where people can exercise, recover, socialise and connect under one roof.

A major focus will be padel, the rapidly growing racket sport which attracted almost one million players across the UK last year, according to the Lawn Tennis Association.

Alongside indoor padel courts, FEAT4 will feature Pilates, physiotherapy, ice baths, saunas, recovery services and hospitality spaces.

The all-weather facility will also feature a dedicated heating and cooling system, allowing courts to be used comfortably throughout the year.

A key feature of the development, and a first for Northern Ireland, is the scale of the playing environment. The venue boasts 12-metre-high court ceilings, providing ample space for lobs and overhead shots while creating a premium playing experience for both recreational and competitive players.

The venture has already attracted the support of corporate partners Padel Mates, Agnew Belfast Volvo and KPMG, highlighting confidence in the concept from both the sporting and business communities.

Edward Conroy, co-founder of FEAT4, said: “Padel has seen incredible growth across Belfast and Northern Ireland because it’s a sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. We’ve experienced first-hand how it brings people together, creating connections both on and off the court.

“When developing FEAT4, we visited clubs across Europe and the UK, taking inspiration from the very best facilities before creating a venue that combines premium padel courts with Pilates, recovery, physiotherapy and hospitality. Our aim was to create more than a sports facility, but a place people genuinely want to spend time in.

“The community aspect is what excites us most. Whether someone is discovering padel for the first time, joining a Pilates class, meeting friends for coffee or focusing on recovery, we want FEAT4 to be a welcoming space where people can build healthier routines and feel part of something.”

FEAT4 will incorporate specialist Spanish coaching expertise alongside physiotherapy, Pilates, recovery facilities and hospitality-focused spaces, creating an experience designed to support both sporting performance and everyday wellbeing.