Farnham Set to Become UK's Premier Pickleball Hub with £2.75M Centre
Farnham, UK
What's the Score?
Farnham is poised to become a leading hub for racquet sports in the UK with the development of a new £2.75 million indoor pickleball and padel centre. Set to open in January 2026, the facility will feature 10 pickleball courts and three padel courts, alongside extensive amenities including social spaces, wellness studios, and a club shop. This significant investment, a collaboration between Rainier Developments and Hurlands Pickleball + Padel Club, is supported by Waverley Borough Council, which views the project as a major boost for community health, local businesses, and Farnham's reputation as a sports destination.
Hit it deeper!
A substantial £2.75 million investment is bringing a state-of-the-art pickleball and padel centre to Farnham, marking a significant milestone for racquet sports in the UK. The project, driven by a lease agreement between Rainier Developments and Hurlands Pickleball + Padel Club, will culminate in the opening of the new facility at the Farnham Trading Estate in January 2026. The centre is designed to be comprehensive, housing 13 indoor courts – specifically 10 for pickleball and three for padel.
Beyond the courts, the facility's ambitious plans include a range of amenities aimed at fostering a vibrant community hub. These encompass social spaces for relaxation and interaction, dedicated studios for yoga and Pilates, treatment rooms for player recovery, modern changing facilities, and a fully stocked club shop. Waverley Borough Council, which owns the building and granted planning permission in 2024, has been a key partner, with Rainier leasing the site on a long-term basis. Councillor Mark Merryweather, the portfolio holder for finance, assets, and property at Waverley Borough Council, lauded the initiative as an "exciting new investment" that will create "fresh opportunities for residents and local businesses" while actively promoting "health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles" within the community. He emphasised that the centre will be a "great asset for Farnham," offering residents the chance to engage with two increasingly popular sports and connect with others in a "modern, welcoming space".
Both pickleball and padel have witnessed a rapid surge in popularity, largely due to their accessibility and low-impact nature, making them appealing to players of all ages and abilities. Pickleball, a dynamic blend of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, along with padel, which combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, are recognised for their inclusive appeal.
The Hurlands Farnham club is committed to inclusivity, offering flexible 'pay and play' sessions for newcomers to easily try the sports, alongside competitive facilities for more seasoned players. The centre will also provide ample parking with 176 spaces and full disabled access, ensuring it is welcoming to everyone. Richard Mees, Chief Executive of Rainier Developments, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, stating it is a "major step towards expanding Pickleball and Padel, not just in Farnham or Surrey, but in the UK". He believes Hurlands will "put Farnham on the map" and solidify its reputation as a destination for both amateur and competitive players. Philip Newborough, Chair of Hurlands, articulated a broader vision for the centre, emphasizing that it will be "much more than a sports facility." With two decades of experience in real estate and health-focused ventures, Newborough plans for Hurlands Farnham to be a community hub and the first of "several high-quality clubs" planned for the Southeast region in the coming years.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The £2.75 million pickleball and padel centre in Farnham signifies a powerful endorsement of these rapidly growing racquet sports within the UK. This initiative, backed by local council and significant private investment, reflects a forward-thinking approach to community health, engagement, and sports tourism. By creating such a comprehensive and inclusive facility, Farnham is not only providing state-of-the-art playing spaces but also establishing a model for how towns can proactively integrate popular, accessible sports into their infrastructure. The vision for Hurlands Farnham as a community hub, rather than just a sports venue, demonstrates an understanding of modern recreational needs and positions the town at the forefront of the UK's pickleball and padel boom, with the potential to inspire similar developments nationwide.