Pikup Padel is launching its inaugural facility in the North East at Follingsby Park in Gateshead, featuring 11 courts for the rapidly growing racket sport. The 33,400 sq ft venue, secured on a 10-year lease, is set to open this summer and create jobs in coaching and operations. Managing director Paddy Kendall highlighted the site's alignment with the company's vision for padel.
Padel, a sport blending elements of tennis and squash played on an enclosed court typically in doubles, is experiencing significant growth across the UK. In response, Pikup Padel has signed a 10-year lease for Unit 17B at Follingsby Park, a 110-acre business park in Gateshead near Newcastle upon Tyne. The new 33,400 sq ft flagship facility will include 11 courts accommodating both doubles and singles play, designed to suit players of all skill levels.
Scheduled to open this summer, the venue is expected to generate employment opportunities in coaching, operations, and management. Follingsby Park's strategic location off the A194(M), with access to the A1(M), A19, and Tyne Tunnel, positions it well within a thriving business community. Existing tenants include industrial paint supplier Rust-Oleum, logistics firm Whistl, data shredding company Restore, and packaging supplier Kite.
Paddy Kendall, managing director at Pikup Padel, emphasized the importance of the location: “Launching our first-ever site was a major decision, and Follingsby Park immediately stood out as a location that reflects our vision for the sport, while enabling us to become part of a dynamic and growing business community. We’re excited to bring padel to Gateshead and to create something entirely unique here.”
This development underscores the rising popularity of padel and contributes to the diversification of sports and leisure options in the region.