Member News
Leading Newcastle-based property developer Adderstone Group, which owns and manages Haughton Retail Park, has partnered with Pure Padel to bring the sport to Darlington—further cementing the North East’s growing reputation as a padel hotspot.
Set to open in May, the state-of-the-art, seven-court facility will be housed in a retail warehouse unit that was previously occupied by a Wickes DIY store at Haughton Retail Park. The development will also feature a specialist padel shop, a bistro-style café and bar, a sports lounge, and modern changing facilities, offering an all-encompassing leisure experience for players and visitors alike.
The move marks Adderstone's second venture into the sport having previously partnered with True Padel to establish a padel facility at Wessington Retail Park in Sunderland, another collaboration that underscores Adderstone's commitment to promoting padel in the North East and enhancing local communities through innovative property developments.
Padel, a dynamic mix of tennis and squash, is played in doubles on a court about a third of the size of a traditional tennis court. The sport has seen explosive growth in the UK, with 250 courts built between 2022 and 2023 alone.
The Darlington launch marks another milestone in Pure Padel’s ambitious national expansion, following successful openings in Manchester’s Dutton Street and Macclesfield’s Alderley Park. The operator aims to roll out up to 30 clubs over the next five years, targeting key regions across the North East, Midlands, South West London, and Cheshire.
Ian Baggett, founder and CEO of Adderstone Group, said: “Pure Padel is emerging as one of the leading players in the sector." He added, “The location of this new development in our Darlington premises is perfect for the growth of the sport in the town and surrounding communities.”
Sammy Arora, founder and managing director of Pure Padel, added: “The Darlington site is the perfect location for the next club. We’ve targeted the North East due to its enormous growth potential. The region is fast becoming a padel hub, with lots of existing fans of the sport that are looking for new and accessible clubs.”
This development is another example of how sport can breathe new life into an existing building, transforming underused spaces into valuable community assets.
