True Padel, a leading sports venue operator, is poised to expand its presence with the opening of a new padel tennis club in Sunderland. This development is part of a strategic partnership with Adderstone Group.
Situated at the former Wickes Unit on Wessington Way, the new facility aims to strengthen Sunderland’s position as a hub for the rapidly growing sport of padel. True Padel’s initiative reflects the sport’s rising popularity across the UK.
Expansion of True Padel’s Presence
True Padel has entered into a strategic partnership with Adderstone Group to establish a new padel tennis club in Sunderland. This collaboration marks a significant step in True Padel’s ambition to make the North East a prominent region for padel, a fast-growing sport. The former Wickes Unit on Wessington Way was chosen as the site for this venture.
With the increasing popularity of padel in the UK, which saw the construction of 250 courts between 2022 and 2023, Sunderland is set to become a pivotal location for the sport. The new facility is expected to open in winter and will provide access to modern facilities for players of all abilities.
Facility Features and Offerings
Spanning 24,000 square feet, the Sunderland padel club will be equipped with five doubles courts and two new-concept single courts. The venue will also offer a range of amenities, including showers, changing rooms, free parking, and a bar with a heated sports lounge.
Anticipating high demand, True Padel has already considered the addition of outdoor courts. The Sunderland facility is designed to replicate the successful environment of its sister location in Durham, which provides social tournaments, coaching, and community-focused activities.
Growing Popularity of Padel
Padel is a hybrid sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, played on a court that is a third of the size of a traditional tennis court. Its appeal lies in its accessibility and social aspects, making it popular across various demographics.
The sport’s growth in the UK is evidenced by the rapid construction of courts and increasing participation rates. True Padel’s expansion reflects this trend, aiming to foster a vibrant padel community in the North East.
True Padel’s success in Durham, where 4,000 visitors have enjoyed the club since its opening in 2023, serves as a model for the new Sunderland venue. The company expects similar, if not greater, engagement at the new location.
Comments from Key Stakeholders
Adam Carr, co-director of True Padel, expressed enthusiasm about the new Sunderland club. As a former GB tennis player, Carr highlights the project’s potential and alignment with padel’s dynamic nature.
Carr stated, “We are thrilled to bring a new True Padel Club to Sunderland, offering a social environment akin to our Durham location.” The strategic move is expected to enhance True Padel’s brand presence and community engagement.
Ian Baggett, CEO of Adderstone Group, conveyed his support for the project, recognizing the venture as a beneficial commercial opportunity and a valuable contribution to the sport’s development in the region.
The Role of Adderstone Group
Adderstone Group, noted for its involvement in various regeneration projects in Sunderland, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the padel club’s establishment. This partnership is part of Adderstone’s broader strategy to invest in community-enhancing initiatives.
The group is also engaged in multiple projects, such as the transformation of the former Austin & Pickersgill Shipyard into Quay West Business Village and other development initiatives in the region.
True Padel’s collaboration with Adderstone Group is thus positioned within a wider context of regional development, underscoring the synergy between sports and economic growth.
Future Prospects and Developments
True Padel has ambitious plans to extend its reach beyond Sunderland, with several large indoor sites planned across the North East. Further announcements are anticipated as these projects progress.
The expansion is part of True Padel’s commitment to promoting the sport and providing quality facilities that cater to the needs of both enthusiasts and newcomers. Sunderland is set to play a crucial role in this strategic growth.
With the launch expected later this year, the collaboration seeks to further boost the popularity of padel and cement its presence in the sporting landscape of the North East.
Community and Economic Impact
The new padel club is expected to have a positive impact on the local community by promoting healthy lifestyles and providing a new recreational outlet. The facility will not only draw sports enthusiasts but also foster social interaction through various events and tournaments.
The collaboration between True Padel and Adderstone Group is set to make Sunderland a key player in the UK’s padel landscape. As the sport continues to thrive, the new facility offers a promising future for the region’s sporting and economic development.
With its state-of-the-art amenities and community-focused approach, True Padel is poised to bring a vibrant and engaging padel experience to Sunderland. The project’s success is anticipated to inspire further growth and interest in padel across the North East.
