A new, purpose-built padel centre has opened on Follingsby Lane, Gateshead, marking one of the biggest dedicated facilities of its kind in the North East. The complex, called Pikup Padel, occupies around 33,500 sq ft and contains 11 indoor courts within a development announced to have cost approximately £1 million.
What the new venue offers
Developed by local entrepreneurs Patrick Kendall and Derick Wilson, the venue is designed to cater for players of all standards — from those picking up a racket for the first time to regular competitors. The operators have positioned the centre as a community-focused hub that will host coaching, events and programmes aimed at children and schools.
"Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and the more I looked into it, the more obvious it became that there was a real gap in the market," said Patrick Kendall, director of Pikup Padel.
Professional advisers Muckle LLP assisted in securing the unit, with Claire Naughten, real estate partner at the firm, noting the growth of the sector and their support for the project.
Local impact and services
The operators expect the centre to create up to 10 new jobs. Alongside court hire, the centre will run organised coaching sessions delivered by experienced professionals, children's activity programmes and partnerships with local schools. Management say events and community activities will be an ongoing part of the offering.
- Facility size: 33,500 sq ft
- Number of indoor courts: 11
- Estimated jobs to be created: up to 10
- Planned activities: coaching, school partnerships, children’s programmes, events
For those unfamiliar, padel is a racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court slightly smaller than a tennis court, combining elements of tennis and squash. Its profile has risen rapidly across Europe in recent years, prompting demand for specialist facilities.
Practical information and next steps
Pikup Padel has announced it is open to the public. Interested players and schools will be able to book courts and coaching once the centre’s booking systems and programme schedules are finalised. Local residents seeking to use the facility should look for booking details through Pikup Padel’s own channels or via community partners working with the centre.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Follingsby Lane, Gateshead |
| Size | 33,500 sq ft |
| Courts | 11 indoor courts |
| Investment | Approx. £1 million |
| Jobs | Up to 10 |
The arrival of this facility adds to the leisure landscape in Gateshead and the wider Newcastle travel-to-play area, offering a new option for sport and community activity. Observers of the local leisure sector will watch how quickly programmes and school partnerships are established and whether demand meets the operators’ expectations.
This report is based on information provided by Pikup Padel and professional advisers involved in the project. Further details on bookings and programming are expected to be published by the centre in the coming weeks.
