True Padel opening in Sunderland
A North East sports venue operator is set to serve up more success for its rapidly growing padel business with the opening of a new club in Sunderland.
True Padel is leasing the former Wickes unit at Wessington Retail Park, marking what it described as ‘a significant step in its mission’ to make the region a hot spot for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
The company has joined with regeneration/property development specialist Adderstone Group in a partnership that recognises the sport’s ‘huge’ potential and the opportunities it provides for people of all abilities to become more active while having fun at the same time.
Adderstone is one of the most active private developers in Sunderland. CEO Ian Baggett, who represented Team GB at tennis, said: “We are delighted to play a role in supporting True Padel’s continued success. This is a commercial venture but it’s great to be part of a project that is ‘putting back’ into a modern-day variant of the sport which I love and owe so much to.”
The deal will see True Padel operate a 24,000 ft2 complex, which is expected to open this winter with five doubles and two single courts plus showers, changing rooms, parking and a bar/sports lounge. The complex will provide a welcoming space, where people of all skill levels can enjoy play, receive expert coaching, and participate in social activities. There is also the potential to add on outdoor courts should demand prove to be as high as forecast.
True Padel has already welcomed 4,000 people through the doors of its nine-court padel facility in Durham, which opened last year, and expects the Sunderland site to be just as successful.
Adam Carr, True Padel co-director, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing a True Padel Club to Sunderland. As a former GB tennis player, Ian gets padel and its potential, making him and his team the perfect partners for this project. Our new club will offer a social environment similar to the existing Durham location, featuring social tournaments and events, coaching and a community-focused atmosphere.
“We are all very excited about extending our reach to Wearside, bringing the vibrant indoor padel experience, which has become the hallmark of True Padel. In addition to our Sunderland site, we have several large indoor sites lined up across other parts of the North East.
“True Padel is dedicated to expanding the reach of padel across the region, providing high-quality facilities and fostering a love for the sport. We’re excited to welcome Sunderland residents to our new club later this year and to continue growing the vibrant padel community together,” Adam added.
Sunderland City Council also welcomed the news. Coun Kevin Johnston, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Business, said: “These are such exciting times for Sunderland. It’s great to see so many major projects acting as catalysts to further investment, giving local developers such as Adderstone the confidence to deliver the more niche developments that are also needed. I can’t think of a more perfect time to be introducing a new sport to our city.” 🎾
