Racquets centre serves up expansion plans

A racquets centre in Surrey is expanding with three new outdoor courts just months after opening as the UK’s largest indoor padel and pickleball venue.

Hurlands Pickleball + Padel Club, based on Farnham Trading Estate, opened in January following a £2.75 million fit-out.

The 56,000sq ft facility, operated by Hurlands and held on a long lease by Warwickshire-based Redford Developments Ltd, currently includes nine pickleball courts, five padel courts, fitness studios, a restaurant and café, and private hire event space.

Plans are now under way to create three uncovered padel courts, which are due to open in August.

The expansion will involve reconfiguring the existing car park to the west of the building, accessed via Monkton Park, while retaining 140 spaces.

The new courts will be located within the trading estate, separated from nearby homes by distance and surrounding commercial buildings.

Richard Mees, chief executive of Redford Developments, said: “We are very proud to support Hurlands to make the UK’s largest pickleball and padel club even bigger.

“Having taken a risk acquiring this vacant site four years ago, we are pleased the borough council’s planners have shared our collective vision and appreciate the strong demand for this fast-growing sport.” 

Hurlands is chaired by Philip Newborough, a co-founder of Bridges Fund Management and founder of The Gym Group, who is also a key investor in the business.

Philip added: “Over one million adults and juniors now play padel across Great Britain. 

“Our premium racquet ball club at Farnham Trading Estate has performed tremendously well since Hurlands opened six months ago, welcoming over 5,000 regular users. 

“This additional investment in three outdoor courts will widen the appeal of our offering across Surrey and bring the total number of courts here up to 17.

“We are keen to repeat the success of Hurlands, with a view to open five padel and pickleball clubs across the South East within five years – to introduce more communities to the fastest-growing sports in the world.”

Councillor Mark Merryweather, portfolio holder for finance, assets and property at Waverley Borough Council, added: "This is an exciting new investment for the borough, bringing fresh opportunities for residents and local businesses, while supporting health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles.

“This new centre is a great asset for Farnham, offering residents the chance to try two increasingly popular sports, connect with others, and stay active in a modern, welcoming space. 

“We'll continue working closely with Redford Developments and Hurlands to support this fantastic project and help it bring real value to our community.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.